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    McKee-Besher WMA

    4.3 (36 reviews)

    McKee-Besher WMA Photos

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    July 2019 Sunflowers  at sunset
    Scorpio K.

    I love this place! I go every year. It's just a magical FIELD of GOLD! It's a nice quiet drive not too far from the city. Blooms start popping up at the end of June and the field is full by the second week of July. Enjoy and be mindful of the big bumble bees they won't harm you. I like to go at sunrise or sunset when it's not so hot and less people. Please don't pick or destroy the flowers so that everyone can enjoy them. Do not carve faces in them Tips: I recommend rain boots or shoes you can hose down. The field gets very muddy after the rain. Wear plenty of sunscreen and bring some bug spray as well. A hat is always a good idea! Photographers may want to bring a ladder some flowers are over 7' tall! Take your trash with you. Animals don't litter, behave like animals.

    Sahar R.

    Have you ever dreamed of frolicking through a field of flowers, like you've been cast in a Summer's Eve Douche Commercial? How about frolicking through a seven fields (48 acres) of sunflowers? Well luckily the McKee-Besher Wildlife Management Area has just that for your frolicking pleasure! McKee-Beshers WMA is normally a 2,000-acre tract in a mixture of woodlands, fields, wooded bottomland and managed wetland impoundments (green-tree reservoirs), and for two weekends in July (this year peak bloom starting the weekend of July 13th) it has miles and miles of sunflowers as far as the eye can see so it's a perfect opportunity for photographers and flower admirers. This field of flowers almost rivals the majestic Cherry Blossoms, making this place is a photographer's dream. I'm not a photographer, all I have is an iphone, an instagram account, and an adventurous pug, but I could appreciate the stunning beauty of this place. The fields are not hard to find (basically off River Road), and the park service has a handy map each year (http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Publiclands/pdfs/McKee-Beshers_Sunflowers_2013.pdf). With regard to picture taking, sunrise will provide the opportunity to photograph the sunflowers in soft diffused light before the sun breaks over the tree line. First thing in the morning is also a great time to look for bees on the sunflowers because they're more likely to be still. Sunsets are also striking. The sunflowers are very tall, so you'll see many a photographer on stools and ladders. Couple of warnings though: 1-Where there are flowers there are bees. Big HUGE bumble bees 2-McKee- Beshers is a public hunting area. The sunflowers are indeed planted to produce seeds that attract birds (like doves) for hunting in the Fall. No permit is required. Someone may just Dick Cheney your booty, luckily I don't think July is open season. 3- Bring along some insect repellent as the mosquitos can be out in force. 4-It's not even crowded on weekdays, weekends may be a little popular. This spot should be on your summer bucket list! Hurry up and go before they're gone!!!

    Manal B.

    This is my absolute favorite place to go every summer. Whether it be alone or with as many people as can fit in me car, the endless rows of sunflowers make for such a beautiful sight. The best part about this place is that the website keeps and updated photo of the sunflowers DAILY so you can check it before you go! It shows a field of sunflowers so you can see if they're still in good health or not. There are three main fields, one on Sycamore Landing Rd, another on Hunting Quarter Rd and the last on River Rd. TIP: if you've come to one of the fields and it's slightly withered, you've often got a better chance of seeing alive and healthy ones at another one of the fields. Try your luck, you might be surprised as the fields bloom a bit staggered.

    Conan W.

    Cool place to take pictures! There are 4 fields and #2 is the most visited. I recommend visiting in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat. Additionally, morning light is suitable to take portrait, as is dusk light. I went there before 7 and left by 10, the light is already too strong for good pictures. Lots of bugs and mosquitoes so be prepared. I was in a hurry that morning and forgot to spray myself and ended up getting dozens of bites. This fields is also great to fly drones, met 2 others flying there.

    Mary Kate E.

    I wish I could know more about this place without having to look it up online. As silly as that may sound - there is absolutely no signage or information on site to talk about the WMA. That's kind of disappointing to me especially since this draws so many people annually for the sunflowers. Now, the sunflowers -- fields and fields of them! They're gorgeous and most certainly worth the visit out to see them. I know a couple who got engaged there last night which made for perfect photo ops. In my opinion, that's what everyone is drawn to here are the flowers. The roads get crowded and tons of people are scurrying trying to find parking on a very small road with limited parking. It is HIGHLY advised to drive a compact car here unless you anticipate your Escalate can fit on the side a road with limited turn around space. You've been advised. Otherwise, enjoy the flowers and nature. Wear comfortable shoes, and no, that doesn't include your cute stilettos that will sink in the mud. I saw that happen yesterday and I was very amused. Use common sense!

    Sunflowers as far as the eye can see!
    Alice W.

    Gorgeous sunflowers as far as the eye can see! McKee-Beshers WMA is a 2,000-acre area of woodlands, fields, and wetlands. It's just north of the C&O Canal in Poolesville, Maryland. If you're coming from Northern Virginia/DC, take I-495 North and get off at Exit 39 (River Road). Go along River Road and McKee-Beshers is on the left. A lot of folks come during July for the sunflowers. On the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website (see: http://dnr2.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/central/mckeebeshers.aspx), they will let you know when to expect the sunflowers to bloom and there's a map of the sunflower locations. In 2015, they planted 30 acres in 4 fields. They bloomed in early July and typically, sunflowers stay in full bloom for about 2 weeks. I went on July 5 and they were in full bloom. We parked in one of the marked parking lots and walked to one of the fields. So many beautiful sunflowers! Standing tall and proud, these sunflowers smiled down at us like old friends. Be careful, there are quite a few honey bees (and mosquitos) buzzing around the flowers! But there are also monarch butterflies. I noticed some seasoned experts brought step ladders with them, which is a great idea if you want to look across the top of the field and get a great panoramic view. If you love sunflowers and love photography, this is paradise. There were plenty of photographers around as well as your usual curious adventurer. There are also plenty of trails for the hikers and bikers. Not to mention, McKee-Beshers is a public hunting area. No permit is required. We actually found a shell among the sunflowers! I think this place is still fairly unknown so it's not too crowded. Great hidden natural reserve not too far from DC!

    Sunflower heaven
    Felicia C.

    One word. SUNFLOWERS!!!! Seriously, bring your smile, a camera and some bug spray and get up close and personal with these beauties. There are 6 or 7 sunflower fields, but I ventured to one field and had a lovely time. Not a lot of people were there, so it was great for picture taking. The road getting there was a bit bumpy and I had to create my own parking spot, but it was well worth the drive.

    Faizah C.

    A fun getaway in the outskirts of the city....after you park and walk in the road opens up into a gorgeous sunflower laden field. A great family trip, take pics of the kids, the couple, action shots. Do get here early to avoid the crowds in your pics!

    Meg D.

    Note: This review is for the sunflowers only, which bloom around mid July/August. Fields and fields of sunflowers? I never would have thought that there would be something like that near DC! Getting to the sunflowers was a bit tricky-GPSing McKee-Besher WMA led us to probably the main entrance but the sunflowers in those fields had not bloomed yet. It turns out we had to drive back on River Road towards DC, and on the right some cars were parked in the grass, and thats where we found the sunflower fields. I wish they had bigger signs on how to find it, but I guess that adds to the mystery of the place. The flowers here were HUGE and absolutely beautiful. There were so many photographers there, that you know this is like a nature (even hobby) photographer's dream. Be wary of the big bees! Though mostly they were just around the flowers, enjoying the sights and pollen-ating

    Sea of sunnies
    Becca M.

    Wading through a sea of sunflowers has always been on my bucket list and today I finally got to check that off! Their sunflowers bloom mid to end of July. Some of the sunnies were looking a little down today so I'm guessing the blooming period is almost over. Definitely make this a place on your list to go! I loved every second of it!

    Ok I finally make it on time to see a newly fresh sunflowers this year! I've been coming here since 3 years ago and always missed a fresh new growth! This year by far is awesome to me! But at the same time I really bother by all the bugs and stuff so if you guys thinking of coming make sure you got a bug spray if you're not a fan of them like I do. The look in the real eyes is really inspiring and absolutely beautiful and I can't even explain but I do take like a zillion pictures of them lol. I came with bikes because I know that's there's a lots of field to look at and snaps pictures! So instead of driving back and forth we just ride the bike around just to exercise also! And plus with this hot nasty weather you don't want to feel all nasty before the time you get to field and do pictures! So overall experience this is the best time to see fresh sunflowers!

    Robin V.

    What a hidden gem! I found this place thanks so Instagram. My friends and I drove out here Arlington to check out the sunflower fields. There was no exact street address but the GPS responded well to the street name only address provided on the website. Though there are 8 fields, I highly recommend the largest field being the first stop on River Rd on the left. The parking lot is gravel and is immediately right off of the main road (River Rd.) As soon as you walk out, it is a vast field of sunflowers on sunflowers. Amazing for picture taking and to take in the view. We also stopped by another field at the last stop, which was significantly smaller but still so lovely. I highly recommend this - there are no hours per say as it is wildlife area but great for a free but fun simmer activity for any age!

    Time is short.

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    So don't go at noon, all sunflowers heads down..... Will try next year!

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    Ask the Community - McKee-Besher WMA

    Is it open on Sunday?

    It is. I was just there this past Sunday. You may have to park on the side of the road, as the parking lot is small.

    What are the hours for the sunflower fields? We are trying to be there for the sunset.

    Open 24-7

    When do the sunflowers bloom here?

    They are in peak bloom in mid July. They are at peak now (July 13, 2018)

    Can I bring my dog?

    Jessica, you can. I saw plenty of folks with their dogs. Just make sure they're on a leash since there were also kids running around :)

    Are there any fees?

    There's no fees, everything is free including parking! Unless you mean bees lol and of course there is =} hope this will help.

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - McKee-Besher WMA

    Seriously, bring your smile, a camera and some bug spray and get up close and personal with these beauties.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park

    Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park

    4.0(6 reviews)
    4.9 km

    Tucked in the Landsdowne area next to the Lansdowne golf course, the scenes and views of the river…read moreare spectacular, especially when that sun is shining. Trails go both ways along the river and aside from the golf course. Due to the tall grass and bushes, recommend wearing long pants and shoes that you don't mind getting dirt/mud on. The park is secluded so you'll get some peace of mind here. I think that's why we visit parks right?

    I found this lovely public park on a list of the best Northern VA hiking trails for toddlers. And…read moreit was right - the main trails, which snakes along the Potomac, was very easy for my little girl to walk (or skip). Not to mention it's beautiful, even on the foggy morning we paid the park a visit. Just past a clearing, you can climb down to the river and, that morning, the sight of water and sky blending into each other and the entire landscape covered in fog was something out of a storybook (or the set of a horror movie, I guess, depending on how you look at things). After a little exploring and a (very) light hike, we came back to the clearing for a little snack. There are a couple of picnic tables but you'd be just as fine laying out a blanket. The list I mentioned earlier called the park a "best-kept secret" of the area. Being tucked away behind the Lansdowne golf course and a residential neighborhood, I'd say that's true. "Secluded" is another word that seems to be used often to describe the park. Also true and a welcome quality in pandemic times. But while it may not be one of the most well-known parks in the area, it still enjoys quite a few visitors and the parking lot looks like it can fit no more than 20 cars at a time. Luckily, everyone we encountered - even on the trail - was masked...and very friendly! We enjoyed this park very much. With a young toddler, the hiking enthusiasts that we are a little limited in where we can go. Happy to add this Riverfront gem to our "will return" list.

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    Bretton Woods - Groom on Golf Course

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    3.9(15 reviews)
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    Bretton Woods is a decent golf course that I enjoy coming to play. I haven't experienced club…read moreamenities but the members seem enjoyable.

    I had my wedding venue at Bretton Woods Recreational Center this past May and it was absolutely…read morebeautiful. While planning the wedding, I kept in contact with the event coordinator (clubhouse manager), Kevin, on a regular basis throughout the year. He truly made wedding planning so much easier for me and my husband and he helped us so much during the day of the wedding as well. Kevin made sure we had a plan A and a plan B for the ceremony. Plan A being an outdoor wedding and Plan B being having an indoor wedding if it rained outside. Luckily, we went with Plan A! We had our wedding outside with the view of the gold course, grass, and a lake. My wedding photos look amazing. (In a couple photos there are people golfing in the far background but what do you expect, it's a country club). Food was great also! We had passed appetizers with a full open bar during cocktail hour and then served entrees for dinner with a open half bar. All of my guests enjoyed the food and that the venue and wedding were beautiful. Price for the venue and food was A LOT less than what my family and I expected which was a huge plus for us. All in all, everything was perfect and I'm so glad that I had my wedding at Bretton Woods.

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    Really well kept and great fields to play on. The fields are kept well and a large number of them.read more

    A proper soccer complex. The one star reviews are more about leagues and ill-advice on equipment…read more Turf 18 requires turf shoes with conical studs, and a soccer complex should not be confused for a soccer league. Pros: 1. Plentiful amount of fields, and not just weed or sand pits, actual grass/turf that is clearly cared for. 2. Ease of access, there's plenty of accessible parking and more than a generous amount of general parking lots, bathrooms, AEDs, field markers, and a thunder horn for when the weather gets dangerous. 3. Not too far from the highway, so getting here shouldn't be too much of an issue. 4. Plenty of natural shade/open space for children to play, and for the adults to run, bike and enjoy some soccer. Cons: 1. Some Not-so-friendly spectator areas, you may be settled on a hill or right in the beams of the sun. But at that point, you're asking for too much anyway. The players get nice fields and the coaches a clear technical area, the spectators should settle 2. If you're playing at a grass field, definitely make sure to bring a change of socks, the well maintained grass will get into your cleats. 3. Only one athletic trainer to go around some 20 fields, but this would be a bit nitpicky anyway. Definitely look at their field map on the SoccerPlex website before heading out, pinning the adjacent parking lot on your GPS will save your neck. This is a well designed complex and I wish my local soccer fields had turfs like the ones in this complex. Cheers!

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    McKee-Besher WMA - parks - Updated May 2026

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