Out of an abundance of caution, Fort Totten Park will remain closed east of Fort Totten Drive, south of Gallatin Street/Metropolitan Branch Trail and north of Brookland Ave NE/Farragut St. due to the investigation involving two WWI-era munitions found.

Part of Fort Totten Park remains closed for public safety

From November 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, the NPS may temporarily close select park roads between 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. to conduct deer management operations. Per the Rock Creek Park Superintendent’s Compendium, trails and other park areas close at sunset.

Temporary Nighttime Road Closures for Deer Management

On forested hills surrounding the nation's capital are the remnants of a complex system of Civil War fortifications. These strategic buttresses transformed the young capital into one of the world's most fortified cities. By 1865, 68 forts and 93 batteries armed with over 800 cannons encircled Washington, DC. Today, you can visit 17 of the original sites now managed by the National Park Service.

Civil War Defenses Of Washington

Luminaries light a cemetery with a monument and homes in the background.

Battleground National Cemetery

Park Ranger delivering a program to visitors.

History at Sunset

Washington DC at War

Historic image of Fort Totten on layered on modern image.

The Civil War Defenses Then & Now

Civil War Defenses of Washington

Hiking

This 5-mile hike takes visitors through the northern section of Rock Creek Park on the Western Ridge Trail, Valley Trail and other multi-use trails. It is an easy hike with relatively little change in terrain.

A brown and white sign with a trail in the background.

Valley Trail Sign

The paved multi-use trail will lead visitors to Military Road NW where they can join the trails that create the Northern Park loop.

Explore the northern section of Rock Creek Park on this roughly five-mile loop. The loop will take park visitors along the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hike-the-valley-trail.htm">Valley Trail</a>, Black Horse Trail, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hike-the-western-ridge-trail.htm">Western Ridge Trail</a>, Rock Creek Park Trail and connects to portions of the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/pohe/index.htm">Potomac Heritage Trail</a>.<br /> <br /> Begin your hike at the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/nature-center.htm">Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium</a>. Follow the paved multi-use trail down the hill towards Military Road NW. Cross Military Road NW and continue on the paved trail until you see the large sign for <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/fort-derussy.htm">Fort DeRussy</a>. Turn right and continue on the trail. You can either take the paved bike trail (Bike Trail #3) down towards the creek or follow the dirt path past Fort DeRussy (this is the Fort DeRussy Trail/White Horse Trail/Potomac Heritage NST).<br /> <br /> Turn left and follow the Black Horse Trail along the creek (headed upstream). You will soon arrive at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/milkhouse-ford.htm">Milkhouse Ford</a>.<br /> <br /> <span style="color:#c0392b;">*Do not ford the creek. Swimming, wading and bathing in the creek is not safe.</span><br /> <br /> Follow the old road up towards Beach Drive NW and cross the bridge using the sidewalk. The Black Horse Trail will pick up on the other side of Beach Drive NW.<br /> <br /> The Black Horse Trail will join with the Valley Trail and continue up stream. Enjoy the sounds of flowing water along this broad section of bridle trail. <br /> <br /> At <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/000/rolling-meadow-bridge.htm">Rolling Meadow Bridge</a>, the Valley Trail becomes a foot traffic only trail. This means it becomes slightly more challenging and narrower. The Valley Trail remains suitable for foot traffic only between Rolling Meadow Bridge and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/000/riley-spring-bridge.htm">Riley Spring Bridge</a>. The Valley Trail re-joins the Black Horse Trail at this point.<br /> <br /> Continue on the Valley Trail all the way to <a href="https://www.nps.gov/places/000/boundary-bridge.htm">Boundary Bridge</a>. In the spring time, this northern flood plain near the bridge is a great place to see the spring ephemeral wild flowers like Virginia blue bell, may apple, and jack-in-the-pulpit.<br /> <br /> Cross Boundary Bridge and follow the green blazes for the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hike-the-western-ridge-trail.htm">Western Ridge Trail</a>. The trail will double as the White Horse Trail. You will cross Wise Road NW, Bingham Drive and Horse Stable Road. <br /> <br /> If you would prefer and easier trail, you might choose to follow the Western Ridge Trail/White Horse Trail until you reach Wise Road NW and turn right onto Wise Road NW. <br /> <br /> <span style="color:#c0392b;">*Use caution. Wise Road NW is open to vehicular traffic.</span><br /> <br /> Turn left onto Oregon Avenue NW and get onto the Rock Creek Trail. This trail is paved and runs parallel to Oregon Avenue NW to the intersection at Military Road NW.<br /> <br /> Return to your vehicle at the Nature Center<br /> <br /> <br />  

Pets are allowed on trails within Rock Creek Park but must adhere to the B.A.R.K. Ranger Principles. Dogs must always be on a leash within the park. Waste must be carried out and disposed of in trash receptacles.<br /> <br /> For more information on B.A.R.K. Ranger visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/pets/index.htm">Pets</a> section of the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/index.htm">National Park Service</a> web site.

This trail will go through many changes throughout the year. In winter, sparse ground cover will allow for greater views through the woods and of the creek. In spring, new growth and wild flowers will be visible. In summer, the dense green brush will help dampen city noises and envelope visitors in a completely different world. In autumn, visitors will find themselves surrounded in a riot of colors provided by the changing leaves of oak, chestnut and beech trees.

Enjoy an easy 5-mile round trip hike around the northern section of Rock Creek Park.

Rock Creek Park is open from Sunrise to Sunset. Activities in the park are limited to these hours.

Hike the Northern Loop in Rock Creek Park

Birds

Architecture and Building

Forests and Woodlands

Forts

Scenic Views

Trails

Bridges

Watersheds

Cultural Demonstrations

<p><span>The Fort Washington Guard in period uniforms will demonstrate and explain the procedures used during the muzzle-loading era of American Artillery. The park has two artillery pieces, a 6-pound field gun and a 12-pound mountain howitzer. </span></p>

This demonstration will involve loud noises, similar to that of a firework. Rangers will give a warning to cover your ears, but this program may not be right for people or dogs that are frightened by loud noises.

<div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-12"> <div class="Component text-content-size text-content-style"> <p>The cannon is fired on the hour at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. Each demonstration takes about 15 minutes.</p> </div> </div> </div>

<div class="panel panel-default"> <div class="panel-collapse collapse in" id="collapseOne1"> <div class="panel-body"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-xs-12"> <div class="col-md-5 col-sm-12"> <div class="physical-address-container"> <div class="physical-address"> <p>13551 Fort Washington Road<br /> Fort Washington, MD 20744<br /> <br /> From I-95/495 take exit 3, Indian Head Highway South/MD 210. Travel about 4 miles to Fort Washington Road, turn right. The park is located at the end of the road. From Waldorf, MD: MD228 to Indian Head Highway/MD210 North. Turn left onto Old Fort Road. Continue to end of road, at the stop sign turn left onto Fort Washington Road, continue to park entrance.</p> <p><a href="https://www.nps.gov/fowa/planyourvisit/directions.htm">Directions Details</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

<h3>Artillery Demonstrations & Musket Firings</h3> Ever wonder how Civil War cannons were fired? Visit the park the first Sunday of every month from May to November to watch the Fort Washington Guard demonstrate and explain the procedures used during the muzzle-loading era of American Artillery. <br /> <br /> For information about upcoming events visit the park's <a href="https://www.nps.gov/fowa/planyourvisit/calendar.htm">calendar</a>.

<p><span>Domestic Pets are allowed in all outdoor park areas, including the parade ground and bastions of the old fort (except during artillery demonstrations). All pets must be on a leash and under the control by their owner at all times. Pets are not allowed in the visitor center or the barracks buildings of the old fort with the exception of service animals. Please pick up after your pet and dispose of any waste properly.</span></p>

<p>Artillery Demonstrations: Every 1st Sunday of every month from April to November</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Ever wonder how Civil War cannons were fired? Visit the park the first Sunday of every month from May to November to watch the Fort Washington Guard demonstrate and explain the procedures used during the muzzle-loading era of American Artillery. 

<p>Artillery Demonstrations: Every 1st Sunday of every month from April to October at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 PM</p> <p><br />  </p>

Alert: Part of Fort Totten Park remains closed for public safety

Civil War Defenses of Washington

Overview

Hours

Fees & Passes

Map

Things To Do

Category

Hike the Northern Loop in Rock Creek Park

Description

Watch an Artillery Demonstration at Fort Washington Park

Description

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