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The National Park Service (NPS) is advising the public to be prepared for high water closures in parks throughout the Washington, D.C., area. National Weather Service (NWS) models are predicting water levels to rise and peak late Saturday or early Sunday. Road, facility and trail closures should be expected throughout the weekend.
Visitors should check park websites for the most current information, but are cautioned that these situations can evolve rapidly and information on specific closures may be delayed. Park visitors who venture out onto trails should expect muddy conditions and puddles.
Park Specific Closures and Contact Information
National Mall & Memorial Parks: Hains Point remains closed. Ohio Drive (along the Potomac River and next to the recreational fields is currently open) but may close if water levels rise as predicted. Ohio Drive (along the Washington Channel, near the East Potomac Park Tennis Center) remains closed. East Potomac Park Golf Course and Tennis Center will likely be closed until water levels recede. Some other low-lying areas of the National Mall, including a portion of Independence Avenue, may be closed if water levels rise as predicted. In anticipation, some permitted events including the BKB Foundation and Children’s Fund foot-races are canceled. www.nps.gov/nama
Rock Creek Park: Park visitors should expect downed trees and various debris along trails and roads. Rock Creek Parkway and Beach Drive may experience closures this weekend during periods of high water. www.nps.gov/rocr
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park: Several closures are in place and low-lying areas of the canal towpath may close if water levels rise as predicted. Current closures are: Capital Crescent Trail between Fletcher’s Boathouse and Water Street including the Foundry Branch Tunnel (due to sewage overflow), entrance road to Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, Olmsted Overlook, Billy Goat Trail, 15 Mile Creek Campground, and the Appalachian Trail Bridge over the Potomac River. The following boat ramps are closed: Big Slackwater, Taylors Landing, Snyder Landing, Nolands Ferry, Monocacy, Edwards Ferry, Lander, Brunswick and Point of Rocks. www.nps.gov/choh
George Washington Memorial Parkway: Drivers may experience lane closures during periods of high water especially around Memorial Bridge.www.nps.gov/gwmp
Great Falls Park: In Maryland- the park is closed to vehicle access. In Virginia- visitors may experience some trail closures during periods of high water. If water levels rise more than predicted the park will close.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: The park has evacuated several offices and historic buildings along Shenandoah Street. Hikers should be prepared for the Appalachian Trail to be closed near Harpers Ferry and Lock 33 of the C&O Canal. www.nps.gov/hafe
Monocacy National Battlefield: The following are closed: Worthington Ford Trail, Middle Ford Ferry Trail and Gambrill Mill Trail and boardwalk. Visitors should also expect a closure of the Brook Hill trail. Other park trails are muddy. www.nps.gov/mono
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