Civil War Defenses of Washington
District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia
🟢 hikes
Free entry
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.
Activities
Topics
No entrance fee.
Hours
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.
Conditions
Weather now: ⛅ Partly cloudy, 88°F
🌧️ 93°/68°
🌦️ 73°/67°
☁️ 83°/60°
Things to do
Explore the Civil War Defenses of Washington Hiker-Biker Trail
Junior Ranger Programs at National Capital Parks - East
Collect all the National Capital Parks - East Passport Stamps
Watch an Artillery Demonstration at Fort Washington Park
🟢 Hike the Northern Loop in Rock Creek Park
Not an official safety source — always defer to NPS.gov and rangers for life-safety decisions.
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