In A Nutshell

Operating Hours & Seasons

The Parkway is open year round. Some park sites, including Turkey Run Park, Theodore Roosevelt Island, Great Falls Park, etc., typically close at dark. The Parkway itself remains open 24 hours a day to vehicle traffic. For more information, contact the park at 703-289-2500.

The heaviest visitation is during the spring and fall months. Winter months (November - March) have the lightest visitation.

Summers are generally hot and humid. Carrying water is highly recommended during the warmer months, or while participating in physical activity. Winters are generally cold with variable precipitation. Layers of clothing are recommended, especially in Spring and Fall, and along the river.

Fees & Reservations

Many of the sites along the George Washingtion Memorial Parkway have no fees. Listed below are the ones that do:

Great Falls Park

$3.00 for pedestrians, bikes, and horses, good for three days.
$5.00 per vehicle, good for three days.
Annual Park passes are also available.
Contact the park at 703-285-2965 for more information.

Glen Echo Park

Entrance to the park is free. Some activites, including carousel rides, theater shows, dances, etc. do have fees. Contact the park at 301-492-6229 for more information.

Public Transportation

Plane

The Reagan National Airport is located directly off of the Parkway. The Parkway is also accessible by Baltimore Washington International (BWI) Airport to the North and Dulles International Airport to the West. Additional information about Reagan National, Dulles International and BWI Airports is available through the links on the right.

Public Transportation

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority provides local bus and rail (METRO) service to several points on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Additional information on METRO routes, timetables, etc. are available through the link on the right.

Taxi cab, limosine, and private transportation companies also provide services in the Washington, DC area. Check through the internet or telephone directories to find this information.

Traffic & Travel Tips

The 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.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

The Parkway is a narrow and winding road. The speed limit varies from 25 mph to 50 mph. Do not exceed posted speed limits. Much of the Parkway has forested areas adjacent to the road so please watch for deer, wild turkeys and other small animals on the roadway.

THINKS TO CONSIDER

Rush hour traffic can be very heavy during weekdays. Try to plan your trip and visits to Parkway sites during less heavy traffic use times. Rush hour traffic runs from approximately 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Weekends have relatively light to moderate traffic. The Parkway also goes through the City of Alexandria where traffic can be slow.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The links on the right side of the page may provide you with additional information on traffic conditions in the Washington, DC area.