Visiting with Pets

Visitor and four-legged friend at the Potomac River Beach

NPS image

Although pets are welcome at George Washington Birthplace National Monument, there are restrictions to where pets are permitted. You may take your pet on roads, hiking trails, the Potomac River Beach, and to the Picnic Area, but they must be kept under the owner's control at all times, and kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet long. Pets are not allowed inside buildings, in the Historic Area, or at the Burial Ground. Leaving your pet unattended in a vehicle is stongly discouraged - especially on warm days. 
 

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 Loop 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. 

 

Be a B.A.R.K Ranger

National parks are exciting places for pets to visit with their family while on vacation. Sometimes these new places can be so exciting as to be overstimulating. Learn the B.A.R.K. principles so you and your pet can have a safe and fun visit anytime you go to a national park. B.A.R.K. stands for:
 

• Bag your pet’s waste
• Always leash your pet
• Respect wildlife
• Know where you can go

Learn more about B.A.R.K Rangers. 

Details

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes

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).
• Water: At the Picnic Area, accessible fountains not available.
• Learn more about accessibility in the park.

Dancing Marsh Loop 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.
• Water: At the Visitor Center, inside water fountain and water filling station is wheelchair accessible.
• Learn more about accessibility in the park.