Plan Like a Park Ranger 1-Day Itinerary: Fort Washington Park & Piscataway Park

Piscataway Park offers a peaceful retreat into nature just outside Washington D.C.

NPS

Just south of Washington, D.C., are a series of forts and historic sites along the shore of the Potomac River. Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm, Fort Foote, and Harmony Hall are just a few of the sites you can visit, but the NPS has crafted this itinerary to highlight two of those sites specifically: Fort Washington and Piscataway parks.

Fort Washington first stood on the Potomac River just south of Washington, D.C. when it was built before the War of 1812. It was destroyed during the War of 1812 but rebuilt afterwards. Its form and function have evolved many times until it was finally decommissioned at the end of World War II. Today, Fort Washington is cared for by the National Park Service and offers visitors opportunities for learning, fishing, picnicking, and much more!

Piscataway Park is named for the Piscataway people who have inhabited what is now Maryland since before Europeans arrived. This park is home to the remains of a major Piscataway village and burial ground, beautiful marshes and forest to hike in, and the National Colonial Farm, run by the Accokeek Foundation.

Just like any excursion into one of our parks, the NPS wants you to plan like a park ranger. Whether you’re driving or hiking, bringing what you need and knowing where you’re going are essential to your trip’s success.

What to bring:

• Water: Bring enough for your entire trip.
• Snacks: It never hurts to have a snack, and if you find yourself out longer than you expect, you’ll be prepared.
• Good walking shoes: Wear appropriate footwear for whatever activity you plan to do.
• Appropriate clothes/ a hat: Always check weather and current conditions (Fort Washington Park & Piscataway Park) before you visit one a national park and dress accordingly.
• A leash (if you’re bringing your pet): Pets must be on a leash at all times for the safety of your pet and the habitats we are working to preserve.

Where to go:

1. Fort Washington Park

   • Start your day at Fort Washington. Situated on a hill overlooking the Potomac, this fort was first built to defend Washington before the War of 1812. When you arrive, visit the visitor center (Open Thursday- Sunday) to learn about the fort and any programming for the day.
   • Fort Washington offers ranger led and self-guided tours of the fort, as well as beautiful sites for a picnic.
   • For certain occasions, living-history volunteers will demonstrate canon firings, displaying the very artillery used to protect Washington from attack over 200 years ago. You can find the schedule for tours and events on the Fort Washington Calendar.

2. Piscataway Park

   • Spend the rest of your day at Piscataway Park, just a 20-minute drive south of Fort Washington. Founded to protect the viewshed of George Washington’s home at Mt. Vernon across the Potomac, Piscataway Park now offers great opportunities for recreation, education, and reflection.
   • Take a walk on the Accokeek Creek boardwalk and trail. The boardwalk lets visitors experience the peaceful setting and wildlife of the marsh, and offers great views of Mt. Vernon.

3. National Colonial Farm

   • At Piscataway Park you will also find the National Colonial Farm, which is managed by the Accokeek Foundation. This farm offers hiking trails as well as the farm itself. Start your visit at the visitor center to learn what the farm has to offer!
   • On Friday afternoons, you can typically join an educator led tour. Nature hikes are sometimes offered as well.
   • The Colonial Farm itself is a great opportunity to explore the history of the colonial period and to see the heritage livestock.