Physical / Mobility

More Information

• Accessibility
• Deaf / Hearing Loss
• Blind / Low Vision
• Service Animals

Visitor Center

The Fort Washington Park Visitor Center is in the former home of the fort’s commander, built in the 1820s.

Inside you’ll find:

• Two accessible restrooms
• An information desk
• Interactive exhibits about Fort Washington
• A park store

Address:
13551 Fort Washington Road
Fort Washington, MD 20744

 

The visitor center is a short walk from a large parking lot.

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Parking

• 1 van accessible space
• 1 accessible space
• 350+ standard spaces

Path to Visitor Center

A wide, paved sidewalk connects the parking lot to the visitor center.

• Length: about 475 feet
• Maximum slope: 5.25%

Entrance

A small brick ramp leads to a wooden porch with two backless benches. The front door has a historic round doorknob that you must grasp and twist to open. If you need help, knock, and park staff will assist you.

 

Restrooms

Two single-user, accessible restrooms are inside the visitor center, to the right after you enter. There are no changing tables in the visitor center restrooms.

Water Fountain

A water dispenser with cups is in the hallway near the restrooms.

 

Bookstore and Information Desk

The bookstore is to the left after you enter the visitor center. The information desk is inside the bookstore.

• Buy books, pins, posters, toys, and other souvenirs
• Sales counter height: 38.5 inches
• Payment device is movable

Passport stamps for Fort Washington Park and partner parks are opposite the information desk in the bookstore.

Wheelchair for Loan

One wheelchair is available to borrow in the visitor center. Ask a ranger or visit the information desk.

 

Learn about the many people who lived and worked at Fort Washington over the years.

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Exhibits

Exhibits are in the entry hall and two rooms on the main floor. They tell the story of Fort Washington Park through history.

Chairs and benches are in the entry hall.

 

Watch your step crossing the bridge to the fort gatehouse entrance.

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Fort Washington

Fort Washington is a historic fortification. You may need to cross grass, climb stairs, and use sloped or uneven surfaces to reach some areas of the fort.

Fort Parking

The closest parking lot to the fort is next to the visitor center.

Path to the Fort

Wide, paved sidewalks connect the visitor center and parking lot to the fort entrance.

• Length from parking lot: about 930 feet
• Length from visitor center: about 800 feet
• Maximum slope: 7%

A wide wooden bridge with uneven planks leads into the fort. The bridge can be slippery when wet.

The archway under the gatehouse is paved with uneven brick.

 

The fort grounds are unpaved and covered in short grass.

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Inside the Fort

• Grounds are unpaved, uneven, and covered in short grass.
• A loose gravel path runs from the gatehouse through the center of the grounds and loops around several cannons.
• Some informational panels are on uneven ground and may require stepping up or walking across grass to reach them.

Gatehouse

• Multiple stairways without railings lead to the upper level.
• Lower rooms have a 3-inch stone lip at the doorway.

 

Grassy slopes lead up to the upper levels of the fort.

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Upper Levels of Fort

• A grassy slope of 14% leads to the upper back level. This area is uneven with a cross slope of 9%.
• A grassy slope of 12% leads to the upper river-side level.

 

Even when the Officer's Quarters are closed, you can look in the windows to see the inside.

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Officer’s Quarters

• The Officer’s Quarters are only open on ranger-led tours and during special events.
• There are three steps to enter the building.
• Benches and rocking chairs are on the front porch. There is a four-inch stone lip up to the porch.

Officer’s Quarters Restroom

• There is one accessible single user restroom inside the Officer’s Quarters.
• There is no changing table.
• The restroom is only open when the Officer’s Quarters are open.

Enlisted Men’s Barracks

• The inside of the barracks building is closed except for special events.
• There are benches on the front porch.
• There is a slight lip between the grass and the porch.

 

Ranger-Led Tour of Fort Washington

See our calendar for tour times.

The tour is mostly on unpaved ground inside the fort. The Officer’s Quarters have three steps at the entrance. Several stops along the tour offer seating.

• Start location: visitor center
• Duration: 45 minutes
• End location: inside the fort
• Number of stops: about 5 to 6
• Distance: about 0.3 miles total

 

Endicott Batteries

There are several historic battery structures throughout Fort Washington Park. Some are easy to see from the road or paved sidewalks, while others require hiking on unpaved trails. For your safety, do not climb on structures or enter fenced areas.

 

Each picnic area has slightly different amenities.

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Picnic Areas

There are eight picnic areas available for reservation. Four sites are labeled as accessible. These sites have features that provide more accessibility than others. Features may include clear ground space, a firm surface, and other features.

• Picnic Area A
• Picnic Area B1
• Picnic Area B3
• Picnic Area B4

Please contact us with specific questions about accessibility.

 

Some sections of the perimeter trail have steps.

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Perimeter Trail

Length: About 3 miles
Route: Wraps along the north, west, and south sides of the park
Scenery: Follows the Potomac River and passes through forests and wetlands

Trail Conditions

• Unpaved and uneven surfaces
• Varying width with dirt paths, tree roots, and natural obstacles
• Includes wooden steps and walkways
• Features uphill and downhill sections
• Can be muddy and slippery after rain

 

Questions?

Please contact us for additional assistance planning your visit.

Email Us

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This phone is monitored during visitor center hours Wednesday - Sunday.

Voice: 771-208-1555