George Washington Memorial Parkway

George Washington Memorial Parkway is a memorial parkway run by the National Park Service in 3 states.

In the park service’s words

The George Washington Memorial Parkway was designed for recreational driving. It links sites that commemorate important episodes in American history and preserve habitat for local wildlife. The parkway and its associated trails provide a scenic place to play and rest in the busy Washington, DC metropolitan area.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

• Multi-Park Loop: Park your car and stretch your legs! Visit four different National Parks in Washington, DC and begin logging miles on seven different National Historic or National Scenic trails!
• Silver Line - DC Metro (1 to 2 Days): Step off the Silver Line to take a walk on Theodore Roosevelt Island, or sight see from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Each of the parks listed here are 1 mile or less from each metro stop (about a 20 minute walk) or a 10 minute bus ride away.
• Blue Line - DC Metro (1 to 2 Days): From the National Mall and Memorial Parks to the Mount Vernon Trail, travel the Blue Line to see what the southern portion of Washington, DC has to offer. Each of the parks listed here are 1 mile or less from each metro stop (about a 20 minute walk) or a 10 minute bus ride away.
• Hike between Scott's Run Nature Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt Island (4 to 7 Hours): The ten-mile Potomac Heritage Trail within George Washington Memorial Parkway is a popular path, connecting at some places to neighborhood trails, Turkey Run picnic area and Chain Bridge. Here, though, we suggest a longer hike connecting with another PHT segment in Scott's Run Nature Preserve, managed by the Fairfax Co
• Take a walk or bike ride on the Mount Vernon Trail (1 to 4 Hours): The Mount Vernon Trail winds alongside the Potomac River offering uninterrupted views of Washington, D.C.'s skyline. A run, walk, or cycle along the trail leads to all of the same sites that can be reached by car on the parallel section of the parkway.
• Panoramic Views at the US Marine Corps War Memorial (1 to 2 Hours): From Arlington Ridge, experience a panoramic view of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, the US Marine Corps War Memorial, and Capitol Building behind the US Marine Corps War Memorial against the Washington, DC skyline.
• Retreat to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove (1 to 2 Hours): From this distance the seat of national power appears pristine across the river, so President Johnson came here often when he needed to escape from the stresses of building a Great Society. After he died, his wife chose this place for his memorial. A landscape of serpentine paths, white pines, a granite monolith, and a
• Clara Barton National Historic Site (15 to 60 Minutes): Clara Barton dedicated her life and energies to help others in times of need - both home and abroad, in peacetime as well as during military emergencies. Glen Echo was her home the last 15 years of her life and the structure illustrates her dedication and concern for those less fortunate than herself.

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Mon 8:15AM - 4:15PM; Tue 8:15AM - 4:15PM; Wed 8:15AM - 4:15PM; Thu 8:15AM - 4:15PM; Fri 8:15AM - 4:15PM; Sat Closed; Sun Closed. Parkway headquarters is open Monday through Friday from 8:15 am to 4:15 pm. It is closed on weekends and holidays.

Getting there

Directions to Parkway Headquarters From the south, take the George Washington Memorial Parkway north. Just past the CIA exit turn right into the parking lot for the US Park Police and parkway headquarters. Go through the chain link fence and take an immediate right. Follow the road down to a stop sign and turn right into the parking lot for the headquarters building.

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

Summers on the parkway are generally hot and humid, with daytime highs frequently above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Please carry water while participating in physical activity and be prepared to take shelter from lightning. Winters on the parkway are generally cold, with nighttime lows frequently near freezing and occasional snowfall. Please be alert for snowplows and icy spots on roadways. Weather during spring and fall is generally moderate, but can change quickly.

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 71 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

• National Park Service Data API: George Washington Memorial Parkway (public domain)
• Official website

Last checked 1 November 2026.