Fountainhead Regional Park

Fountainhead Regional Park’s boat launch is an excellent entry point to explore the Occoquan Reservoir in nearly any kind of boat - including kayaks, canoes and jon boats, as well as gasoline powered boats launched from trailers (only boats with a 9.9 horsepower motor or less may launch from Fountainhead or Bull Run Marina). Those wishing to use the launch may purchase an annual pass, or pay daily fees based on the type of boat being launched. All vessels (including inflatables) must display a valid annual pass or pay the daily launch fee, for each vessel being launched.

Fountainhead rents out a variety of boats for use on the Occoquan Reservoir, including 3 and 4 person jon boats (trolling motors and batteries available), kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Rentals are typically open for business from March to mid-November, weather permitting. Users can rent boats by the hour or for the entire day. 

If renting a trolling motor with a battery, please be advised that the trolling motor batteries only last for an hour when run on full speed. Batteries may last for longer if run intermittently or at lower speeds. Patrons are required to row back once the battery has died.

Group rentals are available upon request. Please complete the to submit your request. Group Rental Inquiry Form 

NOVA Parks offers public and private guided tours via the Roving Naturalist program; led by Matt Felperin. He is an ACA certified paddle instructor and has a wealth of knowledge on local ecology, especially bird life. He can offer access to NOVA Parks outside the times open to the public, which is a unique opportunity. If you are interested in booking the Roving Naturalist, please contact Matt Felperin at mfelperin@nvrpa.org.

NOVA Park’s longest natural surface trail is the 19.6 mile Bull Run-Occoquan hiking trail, which connects Bull Run, Hemlock Overlook, Bull Run Marina and Fountainhead Regional Parks. Perfect for hikers or those on horseback, this incredible path takes visitors through more than 5,000 acres of scenic woodlands. Along this track one will also find one of the region’s richest untapped historic resources.

Visit Bull Run Occoquan Trail Page

In the late 1950s, the Northern Virginia Planning District Commission and a group of residents from several local jurisdictions joined together to protect the region’s rich heritage of woods, meadows, lakes, and streams from the threat of suburban sprawl.

These residents, working with their local governments—Fairfax County, Arlington County and the City of Falls Church—organized in 1959 under the Virginia Park Authorities Act as the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. This was the beginning of an extensive system of regional parks for all to enjoy.

Fountainhead Regional Park offers four different trails for horses and their riders throughout the park. The trails vary in length, and several wind along the Occoquan Reservoir, providing excellent views of the water. 

Anglers enjoy Fountainhead Regional Park because the horsepower limits on the reservoir allow for a peaceful fishing experience. The reservoir sports a healthy population of Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Crappie, and more. Fisherman can make use of the park’s bait shop, with a wide selection of bait and tackle, a snack bar, a bragging board, a 250-foot fishing pier and a 100-foot floating dock. All fishing in Virginia requires a license for anyone age 16 or older. 

Fountainhead offers one of the area’s best and most well-known mountain bike trails. The trail is a single use series of loops that feature multiple short, steep climbs and several fast descents. The trail, including all its various loops and routes, is nearly 15 miles long. It features a green beginner loop of about 3 miles, an intermediate loop and an advanced loop. The advanced loop starts with an entrance that opens with a steep incline, artfully placed rock step ups and a wooden hairpin turn. 

Tracing a 40-mile route on two tributary waterways of the Chesapeake Bay, paddling adventures await as you explore a vast and changing landscape, spanning 13,000 years of human history, past 10,000 acres of public lands dedicated to resource conservation in northern Virginia. Access with public parking can be found at Occoquan, Fountainhead, Bull Run Marina, Pohick Bay and Bull Run.

Orienteering is a fun and exciting sport for everyone, regardless of age or experience.  From the start point, participants try to find a series of markers located throughout Fountainhead Regional Park. Participants will use navigation and map reading skills to choose routes — both on and off trail — to find all the markers and get back to the finish point.

Orienteering is typically a racing event, in which participants compete against each other to finish a course in the fastest time.  However, anyone just looking to get out and enjoy the forest at a leisurely pace may also use these courses, as a sort of guided walk.

Enjoy the natural beauty and diversity of the Occoquan Reservoir, lead by the NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist. We lead fun and memorable outdoor experiences while highlighting natural and historical features unique to the area. Cost: $35 per person.

Before Europeans arrived, the land that is now Fountainhead Regional Park was home to Native Americans. There is evidence of human habitation as many as 10,000 years ago. The area was likely occupied by Monacan and Algonquian tribes, since both settled along waterways such as Bull Run and the Occoquan River.

Fountainhead Regional Park offers a rental picnic shelter perfect for picnics with family, friends and coworkers. Picnic shelter includes tables and grills. The shelter is available for rent during three time periods, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to sunset, or all day. The Facility is available Mid-March through Veterans Day. Seating is provided for 50 people at ten 6-foot picnic tables. One double charcoal grill provided. Amusement devices and alcoholic beverages are prohibited at this shelter.

Fountainhead offers a snack bar located on the observation deck of the Marina Building, which commands a spectacular view of the widest point of the Occoquan Reservoir. The snack bar also offers fishing bait and supplies.