Accessibility

The entirety of the wooded Theodore Roosevelt Island is a tribute to the vision and passion of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president. He was a lifelong steward of the nation’s natural resources and his passion for conservation is reflected in the natural, scenic qualities of the island. The Memorial Plaza is located in this natural setting on a high point of the island.

 

Accessible parking spaces and curb ramp.

NPS

Parking

• The parking lot and accessible parking spaces are paved asphalt.
• The four (4) accessible spaces are located at the southern end of the parking lot at the closest location to the entrance of the island.
• Accessible spots have marks that are visible.

 

Bridge entrance to the island from the parking lot.

NPS

Route from parking spaces to the Memorial Plaza

• The distance from the accessible parking to the Memorial Plaza is about ¼ mile long.
• The path surface varies between asphalt, a concrete bridge, gravel trail surface, and stone chips in the pathway around the Memorial Plaza.
• The gravel trail is firm with some loose surface rocks that vary from ¼ inch to 1-1/2 inches in size.
• The plaza path is well-compacted decomposed granite. The plaza path is firm with loose stone chips on the surface. The chips vary between 1/8 inch to ½ inch in size.
• There are three 5-inch steps from the plaza path to reach the top of the plaza.
• The trail follows the natural terrain of the island; the running slope varies from 1% to 12%. Two hundred feet, or approximately 15% of the trail is 9% running slope or greater.
• The trail varies from 10 to 15 feet wide.

 

Portable toilets in the parking lot.

NPS

Restrooms

• There are two temporary portable toilets located at the southern end of the parking lot; one of the portable toilets is American with Diabilities Act (ADA) compliant.
• The approach to and the surface around the portable toilets is the asphalt pavement of the parking lot.

 

Typical trail surface condition.

NPS

Nature Trails

Park staff are working to update trail descriptions with detailed information about surfaces, grades, and potential impediments to mobility. An overview of the three types of nature trails on the island includes:

• Natural surface trails: The condition of these trails vary based upon the weather or the level of the Potomac River. During rainy weather the trails can be wet and slippery or have puddles, or they can be inundated from seasonal flood water. The surface is not uniform, the slope follows the grade of the island, and the trails are about three to five feet wide.
• Gravel: The condition these trails is consistently firm but they have some loose surface rocks that vary from ¼ inch to 1.5 inches in size. Running slopes range from 2% to 15%.
• Boardwalk: The Swamp Trail contains a one-half mile long boardwalk that is six feet wide. In some locations the difference in height between the wood planks is greater than ½ inch. While the boardwalk is level, a person must travel the gravel trail to reach it. The gravel trail includes a 50’ section that has a greater than 12% running slope.

 

Drinking Water

A drinking fountain is located near the entrance to island at the Mount Vernon Trail trailhead, at the southern end of the parking lot. There are 2 bowls at spout heights of 41 inches and 36 inches and a pet bowl at the base of the fountain. The ground surface around the drinking fountain is a combination of asphalt and roughly textured stone pavers. The drinking fountain is usually operational from May to November but may be turned off intermittently for maintenance.

 

Interpretive Programs

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision and you would like to attend a ranger-led program, please contact the park ahead of time. This gives rangers an opportunity to adjust their plans to accommodate assistive technology.

Rangers for Theodore Roosevelt Island can be reached at 703 757-3101.