George Washington Memorial Parkway

Map of the TRACK on the George Washington Memorial Parkway

The George Washington Memorial Parkway TRACK Trail follows the Swamp Trail on Theodore Roosevelt Island. The Swamp Trail is an easy 1.3 mile loop through wetlands featuring views of the Potomac River and Washington, DC.

In the 1930s landscape architects transformed Mason’s Island from neglected, overgrown farmland into Theodore Roosevelt Island, a memorial to America’s 26th president. They conceived a “real forest” designed to mimic the natural forest that once covered the island. Today miles of trails through wooded uplands and swampy bottomlands honor the legacy of a great outdoorsman and conservationist

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.

Track an adventure here
Collectible Sticker for George Washington Memorial Parkway

Location Details

Recreational Features: Paved Bike Path
Amenities: Restrooms
ADA Compliant: No
Seasonality: Open all year
Theodore Roosevelt Statue
Swamp habitat
Footbridge over water
Red autumn foliage
Path through trees covered in fallen leaves
Memorial Area on Theodore Roosevelt Island
Cypress knees growing from the swamp land

Adventures for George Washington Memorial Parkway

Hiking

Animal Athletes

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
1.30
The Animal Athletes adventure challenges kids to exercise with the animals. This brochure gives kids eight different animal exercises they can do along the trail. From hummingbird hand-swings to frog hops, kids are sure to have fun getting in shape with the animals during their outdoor adventures.
Bird Watcher in Chief brochure thumbnail
Hiking

GW Parkway: Birdwatcher-In-Chief

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
1.30
Birds use the Potomac River as a migration highway. Many different kinds of birds stop at Theodore Roosevelt Island to feed and rest. Use this Birdwatcher-in-Chief brochure to discover feathered friends that frequent Theodore Roosevelt Island.
Hiking

Nature's Relationships

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
1.30
In the Nature's Relationships brochure you will discover how everything in nature is connected... even us. As you walk along the trail, the brochure will tell you a story about a few of the relationships that can be found. Many more relationships exist, so keep your eyes and heart open and you will discover many of nature's relationships - even yours.
George Washington Parkway Scavenger Hunt brochure thumbnail
Hiking

GW Parkway: Scavenger Hunt

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
1.30
The Theodore Roosevelt Island's Scavenger Hunt brochure is designed so that kids of all ages can walk along the trail and discover unique things that are often overlooked on the island. Some of them are hard to find, others are easy. Best of all, the adventure never ends because every time you walk the trail you will discover new things hiding in nature. 

Directions

Memorial Ave/Bridge Circle
Washington, DC 20037
Latitude: 38.904236500000
Longitude: -77.052128900000

Directions:
Theodore Roosevelt Island is located on the George Washington Memorial Parkway near Rosslyn, Virginia. By car, Theodore Roosevelt Island can only be reached from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

**** Brochures can be picked up at the Turkey Run Visitor Center. Brochures are currently not available on the island. 

TDR Island is also accessible by metro, bike and foot. Please visit the NPS website for details: http://www.nps.gov/this/planyourvisit/directions.htm

Partners

The TRACK Trail program is sponsored by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation.

The George Washington Memorial Parkway TRACK Trail was made possible by a partnership between the National Park Service and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation's Kids in Parks program. This project was financed in part by the National Park Service’s CONNECT TRAILS TO PARKS program, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System in 2018.