Civil War Defenses of Washington is a park service site run by the National Park Service in 3 states.
In the park service’s words
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 18 of the original sites now managed by the National Park Service.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Things to do
- Explore the Civil War Defenses of Washington Hiker-Biker Trail (1 to 5 Hours): Hike or bike the 7-mile trail from Fort Stanton to Fort Mahan and take in scenery that ranges from urban greenspaces to forest ecosystems, all while recreating through a historic landscape.
- Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East (30 to 90 Minutes): Become a Junior Ranger at parks across National Capital Parks, East! Explore, complete a booklet, and earn badges and certificates along the way!
- Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps (5 to 10 Minutes): Start your stamp collection and celebrate every park you visit! Explore historic sites and scenic parks managed by National Capital Parks - East and collect a unique stamp at each one.
- Watch an Artillery Demonstration at Fort Washington Park (15 to 90 Minutes): 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.
- Hike the Northern Loop in Rock Creek Park (120 Minutes): Enjoy an easy 5-mile round trip hike around the northern section of Rock Creek Park.
Fees and hours
Entrance fee: No entrance fee.
Hours: Daily, Sunrise to Sunset. The park grounds at Battery Kemble, Battleground National Cemetery, Fort Bayard, Fort Bunker Hill, Fort DeRussy, Fort Reno, Fort Slocum, Fort Stevens, and Fort Totten are managed by Rock Creek Park These sites are open daily from dawn to dusk.
Getting there
Directions vary based on your preference of site.
| Airport | City | Drive to the park | Straight-line miles | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) | Washington, DC | No road route | 8 | Large hub |
| Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) | Dulles, VA | No road route | 23 | Large hub |
| Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) | Baltimore, MD | No road route | 24 | Large hub |
Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.
Miles are straight-line distances.
Weather
Check the weather forecast for each individual site for accurate information.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Know before you go
Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.
Nearby
The nearest national park is Shenandoah, about 77 miles away in a straight line.
Sources
Last checked 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee at Civil War Defenses of Washington?
No entrance fee.
Where is Civil War Defenses of Washington?
In District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, about 8 miles away.
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