(703) 730-8207
2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr.Woodbridge, VA 22191
Latitude: 38.593516
Longitude: -77.258412
Leesylvania opened in 1992. In 1978, noted philanthropist Daniel Ludwig donated the land to the state for a park. A national historical society, the Society of Lees of Virginia, was instrumental in securing the donation. Locally the area is known as Freestone Point, referring to the sandstone early settlers took from the property for building. Henry Lee III (Light Horse Harry) was born here at what was then Leesylvania Plantation in Colonial America. This Revolutionary War hero would later father the Confederate General Robert E. Lee of Civil War fame.
Outdoor Recreation Award for: Picnic Area, Water Recreation
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Bushey Point Trail
The Bushey Point Trail is an easy 1.8 mile handicap accessible trail. It can be accessed from the parking lot near the boat ramp, from the road near the Group Camp, or from the Powell’s Creek Trail. The trail closely follows the path of Powell’s Creek and the Potomac shore. Along the trail you will find convenient benches and several overlooks of the nearby waterways. The trail has some wet areas which are easily navigated by handicap accessible boardwalks. The trail passes the small boat launching area where canoes are available for rent. Osprey, bald eagles, blue heron and a variety of frogs can be seen and heard along this trail.
Blaze Color: Green
- Length: 1.81
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Lee’s Woods Trail
The Lee’s Woods Trail Is a 1.96 mile, moderate difficulty trail, which is accessible from the road near the entrance to the picnic area. This interpretive trail loops through historic ground including the sites of the homesteads of the Fairfax and Lee families, the Lee family cemetery and gardens, and Free Stone Point. As the trail loops out to Free Stone Point you are walking the same ground where, during the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee once ordered the blockade of the Potomac, hoping to cut off the North’s water access to Washington D.C. Free Stone Point offered an elevated position where a battery of 32 pound cannons could be positioned. At the point, you can see a cannon and imagine the deadly plunging fire the South could rain down upon approaching ships.
Blaze Color: Red
- Length: 1.96
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Potomac Heritage Trail
The Potomac Heritage Trail is a 2.3 mile moderate difficulty trail which is accessible from the Park office and Powell’s Creek trail. The Potomac Heritage Trail is part of the greater Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail under the National Trails System. The section in Leesylvania will eventually link up with sections to both the north and south. According to the National Park Service the trail is designed to let you “Experience the Corridor of Commerce First Imagined by George Washington.”Linking the Potomac and upper Ohio river basins from Chesapeake Bay and Potomac tidewater to Allegheny Highlands, this scenic trail network lets you retrace by foot, bicycle, horse, or boat – the corridor George Washington explored as essential to U.S. national development.
Blaze Color: White
- Length: 2.3
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Potomac Trail
The Potomac Trail is a half mile easy trail along the beach between the boat landing area and the fishing pier. The trail passes through the picnic grounds and features beautiful views of the Potomac.
Blaze Color: Yellow
- Length: 0.41
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Earth
Powell’s Creek Trail
The Powell’s Creek Trail is a 1.28 mile, moderate difficulty loop which is accessible from a small parking lot approximately 200 yards past the park entrance and Contact Station or from the Bushey Point Trail. The trail winds through a mature hardwood forest consisting of a variety of trees including Red Oak, White Oak, Maple, Sweet Gum, Tulip Popular, Mountain Laurel and Paw Paw. A bridge crosses the ravine and Powell’s Creek followed by terraced steps that climb out of the ravine to the trail and back to the trail head.
Blaze Color: Blue
- Length: 1.28
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Surface: Earth
Picnic Area
The Picnic Area consists of a large wooded area which runs along the beach. It has playground equipment, easy road access, parking and plenty of picnic tables. There are four picnic shelters which can be reserved. Swimming is not allowed at the park due to under water hazards and boat activity.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Daylight Hours
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:N/A
Picnic Shelters
Four large picnic shelters and an open area (Lee’s Landing) are available for rent. To reserve, call the Reservations Center at 1-800-933-PARK. Per car parking fees are not covered in the rental. Shelters can be rented from 8 A.M. to dark (all day). A special use permit is required if you plan to use the shelter for something other than just picnicking – e.g., a wedding, worship service or other such special event. The permit details how the shelter can be used and when. Once the shelter capacity is reached, guests beyond that number must be turned away by park staff.
- Season/Hours: All Year/
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:N/A
Boat Ramp
The Boat Ramp is located off the main road near the Break Water Store. The ramp offers plenty of parking and paved launch access. In addition, a boat hoist has been installed to aid larger sail boats with access. Alcohol and swimming are strictly forbidden and violators will be ticketed.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:N/A
Fishing Pier
The park features a large fishing pier that is located near the picnic area. The Potomac River is an excellent largemouth bass fishery. The river is tidal here and the water considered fresh. Other sport fish include catfish, perch and striped bass. A Virginia freshwater fishing license is required.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:38° 35.4667 -77° 14.7599