George Washington
Memorial Parkway
More than a road, explore the George Washington
Memorial Parkway. However, if traffic is your immediate concern,
please visit the Federal
Highway Administration's web site.
The George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) preserves the natural
scenery along the Potomac River. It connects the historic sites
from Mount Vernon, where Washington lived, past the nation's capital,
which he founded, and to the Great Falls of the Potomac where
the President demonstrated his skill as an engineer. Developed
as a memorial to George Washington, the Parkway may be used on
any day to travel to exciting historical, natural, and recreational
areas. These places are all linked by this planned and landscaped
road, the first section of which was completed in 1932 to commemorate
the bicentennial of George Washington's birth.
Considered a commuter route by many local residents, the GWMP offers the traveler much more than convenience. It is a route to scenic, historic and recreational settings offering respite from the urban pressures of metropolitan Washington. It also protects the Potomac River shoreline and watershed. The parkway provides a pleasant day from Mount Vernon to Great Falls, passing through the same lands George Washington frequently traveled by horse. The Parkway links a group of parks that provide a variety of experiences to more than 9 million people each year.
VISITATION:
Highest visitation is during the Spring and Fall months, Winter
has the lightest visitation.
LOCATION:
Fairfax and Arlington counties and the city of Alexandria in Virginia;
Montgomery County Maryland; and the District of Columbia.
ADDRESS:
Headquarters
George Washington Memorial Parkway
c/o Turkey Run Park
McLean, VA 22101
TELEPHONE:
Voice (703) 289-2500
Fax (703) 289-2598
Email: gwmp_superintendent@nps.gov
FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
The GWMP is a 7,200-acre national park which preserves a tremendous
variety of natural and cultural areas. Within the boundaries of
GWMP are the:following sites. Click on an image for more information.
CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Summers are generally hot and humid. Winters are generally cold
with variable precipitation. Recommend layers of clothing especially
in Spring and Fall, and along the river.
DIRECTIONS:
The George Washington Memorial Parkway is adjacent to the Potomac
River North and South of Washington, D.C. and is accessible from
all major travel routes from the South and West of Washington,
including I-495, I-95, and I-66.
TRANSPORTATION:
Washington, DC is served by three major airports, rail system
and interstate buses. Local bus and rail (METRO) serve several
point on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Personal vehicle
and bicycles may be used in most locations.
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
Scenic driving, hiking and biking are available throughout the
park. For Special Closures due to weather, road construction or
other situations, call Park Headquarters at (703) 289-2500 or
email for more detailed information.
GWMP sponsors many programs and special events to enable visitors and the local community to have more resource based recreational opportunities. These range from marathons, kids camps, guided walks,and a strong and active volunteer program.
Visitors also enjoy many recreational facilities; including three marinas and two boat ramps. In addition we have restaurants and snack bars, hiking and biking trails, and picnic areas.
*Construction on
the Mount Vernon Trail near Ronald Reagan National Airport.
*Bell
Atlantic Mobile Application for Right-of-Way Permit, for cellular
phone tower at Great Falls National Park.
*Proposed Transfer of Land (Section 29 at Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial) From George Washington Memorial Parkway to Arlington National Cemetery.
Teaching
With Historic Places Lesson Plan
GWMP facilities and programs provide a variety of educational
and recreational opportunities year round. Interpretive programs
are available daily at Great Falls Park, Clara Barton National Historic Site, Glen
Echo Park, and Arlington House. Programs
are available by reservation at many other locations including
Turkey Run Park, Fort
Marcy, Theodore Roosevelt Island, Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove,
Dyke Marsh, and Fort
Hunt Park.
GWMP sponsors many programs and special events to enable visitors and the local community to have more resource based recreational opportunities. These range from marathons, kids camps, guided walks,and a strong and active volunteer program.
http://www.nps.gov/gwmp/index.htm
Last Modified: 9/13/98
