Belmont Bay facts for kids
Belmont Bay is a beautiful body of water where the Occoquan River meets the larger Potomac River. It's located in Virginia, right between Fairfax and Prince William counties. This bay is quite large, covering about 1,500 acres (or 6 square kilometers). It's a special place known for its amazing wildlife and as a fun spot for boats.
Discovering Belmont Bay
Belmont Bay is in Virginia, a state on the east coast of the United States. It sits at the very end of the Occoquan River, just before the river flows into the much bigger Potomac River. The bay is surrounded by important natural areas. On the Fairfax County side, you'll find the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge and Mason Neck State Park. On the Prince William County side, there's the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. These areas help protect the bay's environment.
Why is it Called Belmont Bay?
The bay got its name from a historic home called "Belmont." This house was built around 1730 by a man named Catesby Cocke. He was an important person in the area, working as the clerk for the Prince William County court. His home overlooked the bay, and that's how this lovely body of water got its name.
Amazing Wildlife
Belmont Bay is a fantastic place to see wildlife, especially birds. It's famous for sightings of majestic bald eagles. These large birds often nest and find food in the nearby wildlife refuges. You can also spot many Great Blue Herons here. These tall, graceful birds are fun to watch as they hunt for fish in the shallow waters. The protected areas around the bay make it a safe home for many different animals.
Fun on the Water
Belmont Bay is a very popular spot for people who love to go boating. On warm summer weekends, you'll often see many pleasure boats enjoying the water. Sometimes, as many as 40 to 100 boats gather here. It's a great place for families and friends to spend time outdoors, enjoying the calm waters and beautiful scenery. Whether you're watching eagles fly or just cruising on a boat, Belmont Bay offers a wonderful natural escape.
