Last updated: March 27, 2025
Thing to Do
Visiting with Pets
NPS image
We love when visitors bring their pets! However, there are some restrictions and regulations that you and your pet must follow when you are in the park. To learn more, visit Pets.
Areas Pets are allowed:
B.A.R.K. Ranger Activities
Areas Pets are allowed:
Regulations for Pets in the Park:
- Pets are not allowed within the Memorial Area.
- Pets must always be on a leash no longer than six feet in length.
- Pets must be kept under owner's control at all times.
- Bag your pet's waste. Do not leave pet waste bags in trees, on trail posts, or discarded in the woods. If there’s no trash can immediately available, take it with you until you find one.
- Leaving pets unattended in vehicles is strongly discouraged – especially on warm days.
- Pets are not allowed inside the Visitor Center, unless it is a Service Animal.
Things to Do with Pets
Nature Trail
The Nature Trail is a 1-mile loop walk that can take between 30-50 minutes to walk. It is a relatively easy trail as it is mostly flat with rough, dirt covered terrain in some spots. This trail can be accessed from the Picnic Area parking lot. View a map of the trail.Dancing Marsh Trail
The Dancing Marsh Loop Trail is a 3/4 mile loop trail that can take between 30-45 minutes to walk. Pets are not permitted in the Historic Area section of this trail. You can walk with your pet to the entrance of the Historic Area, but will then need to turn around. This trail can be accessed from the Nature Trail. View a map of the trail.Potomac River Beach
You can stroll along the Potomac River on the sandy beach with your pet. Be sure to learn more about the Potomac River Beach area.Picnic Area
Enjoy a picnic with your four-legged friends at the picnic area. There is a pet water fountain available (closed in winter). Be sure to learn more about the Picnic Area.Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger
Complete the activities for your furry friend to earn a George Washington Birthplace B.A.R.K. Ranger badge!B.A.R.K. Ranger Activities
- Read and follow the B.A.R.K. Ranger Code.
- Explore areas of the park that are open to pets (listed above).
- Take a photo of your pet visiting the park and tag us on social media.
- Once you arrive at the park, find a park ranger and say the B.A.R.K. Ranger Pledge with your pet's name.
- Receive the George Washington Birthplace B.A.R.K. Ranger badge!
Details
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
Yes
Areas Pets are allowed:
Regulations for Pets in the Park:
- Pets are not allowed within the Memorial Area.
- Pets must always be on a leash no longer than six feet in length.
- Bag your pet's waste. Do not leave pet waste bags in trees, on trail posts, or discarded in the woods. If there’s no trash can immediately available, take it with you until you find one.
- Leaving pets unattended in vehicles is strongly discouraged – especially on warm days.
- Pets are not allowed inside the Visitor Center, unless it is a Service Animal.
Activity Fee
No
There is no fee to enter the park.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
Picnic Area
- Parking: One space is designated.
- Restrooms: Only the family restroom is accessible, with a door lever to open the restroom (closed in winter).
- Routes: The parking lot is paved. The picnic area is fairly level and grassy.
- Water: Accessible fountains are not available.
- Fishing: Access to designated fishing area is via a wooden staircase with handrail.
Potomac River Beach
- Parking: There are no designated spaces.
- Restrooms: None available.
- Routes: The parking lot is paved. Access to the beach is through grass with a slight downwards slope. Tides can erode the transition from the grass to the sand to form a drop off.
- Water: None available.
- Seating: None available.
Nature Trail
- Parking: One designated spot in the Picnic Area parking lot
- Restrooms: At the Picnic Area, accessible family restroom, with a door lever to open (closed in winter).
- Routes: The Nature Trail is unpaved, traverses on uneven ground, is frequently very muddy, and downed trees and/or limbs occasionally block the trail.
- Water: At the Picnic Area, accessible fountains not available.
- Learn more about accessibility in the park.
Dancing Marsh Trail
- Parking: Four designated spots at the Visitor Center Parking Lot.
- Restrooms: At the Visitor Center, men's and women's restrooms are wheelchair accessible with door operating by a push- button. Can be accessed from inside or outside.
- Routes: The Nature Trail is unpaved, traverses on uneven ground, is frequently very muddy, and downed trees and/or limbs occasionally block the trail.
- Water: At the Visitor Center, inside water fountain and water filling station is wheelchair accessible.
- Learn more about accessibility in the park.