Occoquan Harbour Marina
One of the greatest methods to explore the Occoquan River close to the old city is by kayak. The public boat dock in Occoquan is free and available to everyone. You can easily launch your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from the dock. The pier features a wheelchair-accessible launch and ramp. Park at the free 8-hour spot beneath the 123 bridge to reach the pier.
Paddlers may kayak upstream from the dock to view the town and bridges from the water. This is a well-liked location to go fishing or get a close-up view of the little waterfall adjacent to the bridge. If you paddle downstream, you may reach Occoquan Regional Park and Belmont Bay farther downriver.
You don’t possess a kayak? During the summer, Penguin Paddling (201 Mill St.) offers kayak rentals from its site on the Riverwalk. Additionally, they provide seasonal kayaking excursions down the river and along Neabsco Creek. The two-hour kayak trips are an enjoyable opportunity to see the Occoquan River, observe regional animals and birds, and discover the town’s history.
Occoquan Loop Walk Bridge to Bridge
Walk the short Occoquan circle from bridge to bridge to get a fresh look at this lovely Virginia hamlet. Despite being a short, flat walk, there are two hills.
Cross the footbridge over the Occoquan River, then turn right onto the asphalt road to start your trek. Mature sycamore, tulip poplar, and walnut trees line both sides of the road as it ascends a slope. A fantastic site to view songbirds and butterflies is here.
You should turn right when you leave the peaceful forests and enter the bustling Route 123 at the top of the hill. You will now cross the Occoquan River’s second bridge, which is located above it on the loop walk. Although there is probably a constant flow of traffic, the walkway is surrounded by concrete barriers. To get a fantastic glimpse of old Occoquan, pause mid-bridge.
Turn right onto Commerce Street at the bridge’s terminus, then descend the hill into Occoquan. To complete the circle back to the footbridge, turn right onto Washington or Union Street, then left onto Mill Street.
Notable Historic Spots in Occoquan
When strolling around the downtown area of historic Occoquan, keep an eye out for any intriguing structures or antiques. The historic landmarks of Occoquan are featured here, and you can learn more about many others by taking a self-guided walking tour.
In 1931, the brick structure at 306 Mill Street was constructed as a grocery shop; the owner’s name, R. Wayland, is inscribed in bricks close to the roofline. This is where a terrible fire that spread over the downtown in 1916 began and many structures were destroyed. Here, a picture of the pre-1916 structures may be seen on a historical marker.
The brick structure at 314 Mill Street, formerly a Methodist church, is now the town hall for Occoquan. Here, locals and guests assemble in late November for the lighting of the Christmas tree. On this location once stood a wooden church, which was destroyed in a fire in 1916.
Rockledge Mansion
At the western end of Mill Street, Rockledge Mansion is prominently visible as it sits on a hill. Since Rockledge was constructed in 1758 for John Ballendine, who founded the area’s first mill, it really predates the town. George Mason and George Washington were friends of Ballendine, who employed Mason’s Gunston Hall architect to create his house.
Over the years, the palace has faced several difficulties, including a fire in 1980. Although it was most recently utilized as an event venue, it is presently shuttered and for sale.