Fort Washington Park

Fort Washington Park sign

Although most park visitors cluster near the main fort structure, Fort Washington Park has not ignored the needs of hikers. The River Trail and the Swan Creek Trail (designated sections of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail), circle the perimeter of the park, totaling a three-plus mile loop when combined. Extending south from the main fort, the River Trail tiptoes (sometimes steeply) along the picturesque banks of the Potomac and the Piscataway, eventually turning inland to connect to the park entrance road. The hike continues with the Swan Creek Trail, the entrance to which is a few hundred feet outside of the park gate. With heavy tree cover, steep gorges, and marshy habitats, the Swan Creek Trail traverses a much different landscape than its counterpart. However, the trails do share one similarity - fascinating relics and ruins from the fort's early days dot the trail-side.

Hiking and history at Fort Washington Park - not a bad way to get into the 4th of July mood.

Park Stats: 341 acres; approximately three miles of natural surface trails
Park Map: http://www.nps.gov/fowa/planyourvisit/upload/FOWAmap1.pdf
Administration: National Park Service, National Capital Parks - East

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