George Washington Memorial Parkway - Outdoor Activities (U.S. National Park Service)

There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation along the Parkway. Listed by site are some of the places that you can visit to enjoy the outdoors. Ranger led hikes and tours are available at many of the sites. Contact the parks for more information.

Dyke Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
Hiking, birdwatching, guided bird walks, nature trails

Walking trails offer many opportunites for bird watching in this 380 acre marshland environment. Information on marsh life, bird walks, and bird sightings is found on the Friends of Dyke Marsh site.

Great Falls Park
Hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, waterfall viewing

Great Falls is an 800 acre park with 15 miles of hiking trails. Several of the trails are multiple use for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling. Rentals are not available. Trails also connect to Fairfax County's Riverbend Park, and the Fairfax Cross-County trail.

Theodore Roosevelt Island
Hiking and nature trails, birdwatching

Enjoy a peaceful walk along one of the trails in this memorial to President Roosevelt.

The Mount Vernon Trail
Hiking, running, biking, picnicking

This 18.5 mile-long walking and bicycling trail follows the Potomac River, connecting Mount Vernon and Theodore Roosevelt Island. Monuments and fields are located just off the trail. Local trails and bicycle routes connect near Theodore Roosevelt Island. This trail is a segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.

The Potomac Heritage Trail
Hiking, nature trails

This ten-mile hiking trail begins at Theodore Roosevelt Island and travels north along the Potomac to the American Legion Bridge. This trail is maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and is a segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.

Turkey Run Park

Hiking, picnicking, nature trails, birdwatching

This is a 700 acre park located on the northern end of the Parkway. The Potomac Heritage Trail runs through this park. Most of Turkey Run is wooded, offering many opportunites to enjoy a quiet day in the forest. Bicycles are not permitted.