Civil War Washington Forts: An Interpretive Hike of Civil War Defenses of Washington

Civil War Washington Forts is an outdoor, 2-mile interpretive hike through Washington’s Civil War defenses. The program follows a route from Fort DeRussy to Fort Stevens, using both paved and unpaved paths while exploring the history of the 68 forts hastily constructed around Washington in the summer of 1861, when the city was surrounded by slave-holding states and Confederate sympathizers. A yellow school bus will return participants to the Nature Center at the end of the hike.

When: Saturday, October 10, 2026

Showtimes: 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Tickets: Free

Registration: Registration is required.

Venue: Rock Creek Park Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, D.C. 20015, near the intersection of Military Road and Glover Road.

Route: The hike travels from Fort DeRussy to Fort Stevens over approximately 2 miles of paved and unpaved paths.

Transportation: A yellow school bus will transport participants from Fort Stevens back to the Rock Creek Park Nature Center.

Parking: Free parking is available at the Nature Center. Public-transit information and directions are available through the event listing.

What to Bring: Participants should bring a water bottle, wear sturdy walking or hiking shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather.

Educator Resources: Classroom teachers may request a letter certifying one hour of professional development, along with a resource packet to help adapt the program as a student field trip.