Located on the Potomac River 11 1/2 miles south of Washington, Fort Hunt was originally part of George Washington's Mount Vernon estate. Located only two miles from George Washington's home of Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt Park is a local favorite for picnicking and recreation. From April to October, Areas A, B, C-1, C-2, C-3, and D are available by reservation. Reservations for the summer picnic program open in January.

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Things to Do

Ranger Programs & Special Events

Call 703-289-2553 for more information or to request a ranger program.

Please note that the park hosts a concert series in Area A during the summer. If you reserve this area on a Sunday in June, July, or August you must end your picnic and clean up the area by 6:00 pm.

Recreation

Fort Hunt Park has many opportunities for recreation such as walking, jogging, and biking. Fort Hunt has several large fields and three softball diamonds. From April to October these areas are associated with the picnic permit program. Each area has different amenities associated with it, if you would like exclusive use of one of the softball diamonds or fields a reservation is necessary.

The playground located in Area A is always open to the public. There are also walking trails through the woods as well as a car-free service road which is open to pedestrians and cyclists.

The nearby Mount Vernon Trail, bordering the Potomac River, offers biking, walking, running, and is great for sightseeing. The Mount Vernon Trail travels from Theodore Roosevelt Island south to Mount Vernon, passing by the main gate of Fort Hunt Park. This 18.5 mile paved multi-use trail provides stunning view and a great workout.

Picnics at Fort Hunt

From April through October, Areas A, B, C-1, C-2, C-3, and D are available by reservation.  Reservations for the picnic season open in January.  For reservations or to inquire about fees, availability, and restrictions, call 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov

Picnic Area E is always open on a first-come, first-serve basis; no reservations necessary.

Telephone Numbers:

For picnic reservations: 1-877-444-6777 or http://www.recreation.gov/.

For activities and ranger-led programs: 703-289-2553.

To picnic permit questions: 202-439-7325.

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History & Culture

Fort Hunt Park has been the scene of a constantly shifting panorama of people and activities which mirror the major social and political trends of the first half of this century. Seldom has one geographical area been put to so many different uses as has Fort Hunt. During its relatively short lifetime, it has seen service as a farm; a coastal defense fort; an Army Finance school; a supply depot; a brigade headquarters; an ROTC training camp; a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp; a National Park Service exhibits lab; a monitoring station for the Army Signal Corps; a top secret interrogation center for German prisoners of war; and a film storage vault for the National Archives.

Fort Hunt has a rich human history appealing to many areas of interest. To learn more about the history of Fort Hunt Park, click here.

Ranger-led programs: 703-289-2553

Natural Features

Fort Hunt Park is located near the shores of the Potomac River in Virginia. The area is abundant with mixed hardwood forests that provide shade and habitat for a variety of birds and wildlife. Wildflowers may be seen in the undeveloped areas from April to October.

Plan Your Visit

Hours & Seasons

The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

Directions

Fort Hunt Park is located in Alexandria, Virginia, on the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) two miles north of Mount Vernon Estate.

From Old Town Alexandria - Go south on Washington St. and continue to follow it as it turns in the GWMP. Continue heading south for about 6 miles, then take the exit for Fort Hunt Park on the right and follow the signs.

From Mount Vernon: Take the GWMP northbound for about 2 miles. Take the exit for Fort Hunt Park on the right and follow the signs.

Facilities

Fort Hunt has six picnic areas available for reservation (April-October) and an Area E that is always open to the public. Picnic areas ranger in capacity from 100-600 people per site. The restroom and water fountains located in Area A, B, and E are always open to the public. Parking is reserved for the picnic permit holders with the exception of Area E and the small lot immediately across from the playground.

Facilities

ADA Access	Parking
Softball Fields	Picnic Tables
Telephone	Small Playground
Comfort Station	Restrooms
Jogging

Rules and Regulations

For parkwide rules, please view the Park Compendium. Picnic permit holders will review the permit rules with a ranger. Rules for everyone to remember regarding Fort Hunt Park include:

• Picnic area reservations require a permit, outlining rules for Fort Hunt, and are issued by the National Park Service. The reservation confirmation email will serve as the permit and is required on the park premises at all times. Failure to adhere to park rules may result in removal from the park.
• Permits are not issued for commercial use operations. This includes collecting fees; selling food, beverages, or mechandise; fund-raising; selling raffle tickets; paying caterers, etc., while you are on the park grounds
• The permit is valid from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm, providing exclusive use of the picnic area reserved. Restrooms at all picnic areas and the playground will remain open to the public at all times. The permit allows beer and wine to be served between those hours but no hard alcohol. Please note that caterers must have an ABC banquet license from the state of Virginia.
• One reservation per person or group per day may be made for one picnic area at the park.
• All picnic areas have a maximum capacity; not to be exceeded.
• Noise levels should be kept to a minimum in consideration of neighboring homes and picnic areas.
• Vehicles must remain on the paved loop road, parking lots, and in designated loading zones.
• Objects that penetrate the ground, such as wire sign holders, volleyball poles, or tent stakes, are not allowed.
• Park water is available for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Using water recreationally for water balloons and squirt guns is prohibited.
• Motorized, wind-propelled recreational devices and skateboards are not allowed in the park.
• Removing or damaging natural or cultural resources is prohibited
• Pets must be on a least no longer than 6 feet at all times.
• Firewood, exotic plants and exotic animals are prohibited in the park.
• Permittees causing damage to the park (beyond what is reasonably inherent in its use) can be held financially liable.