While Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster County on the Northern Neck of Virginia might be bustling with activity in June or July, on an unseasonably warm February morning, there wasn’t a soul in site.

And that may well be the best time of year to enjoy the natural sites on the Rappahannock River. I didn’t see any other humans on my seven-mile run on the always flat and sometimes muddy trails. I did spot numerous birds, including swans, hawks, Canada geese, a blue heron, an eagle, and many, many small birds hanging out in grassy fields.

Lancaster County is one of five counties on Virginia’s Northern Neck, a peninsula with the Rappahannock on one side and the Chesapeake Bay on the other. Three U.S. presidents were born on the Northern Neck (George Washington, James Madison and James Monroe). George Washington’s mother was born in Lancaster County.

The 733-acre park was purchased by the state in 1992. Activities during warmer months include camping, fishing, horseback riding and a seafood festival in September.

Seven runs down – 127 to go.

View Belle Isle in a larger map

Starting Point

The view near the parking lot shows the Rappahannock River and, in the distance, houses in McKans Bay.

Swans

Trumpeter Swans filled a cove...More photos later.

Heron

A Blue Heron hangs out in one of the small ponds in the park.

Another View

Along Watch House Trail.

End of Trail

One end of Watch House Trail.

Neck Fields Trail

As I ran through the grassy fields, I could hear thousands of small birds chirping and rustling around, but I couldn't see them.

Watch Your Step

Horse tracks decorate the muddy trail.

Crossroads

Artsy Shot

Tree Stub

Condos

These homes were viewable across Mulberry Creek from Brewer's Point. One of them was being auctioned off on the Saturday.

Older Houses

Where's the Mud?

Mud Creek Trail was probably the dryest trail in the park.

Holly Trees

The evergreens add color to the winter day.

Marinelife

I didn't see any porpoises or even dolphins, for that matter.

Back to the Swans

More Swans

And geese in flight.

Swans in Flight

Canada Geese I

Canada Geese II

Canada Geese III

Canada Geese IV