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

Civil War Washington Forts: An Interpretive Hike of Civil War Defenses of Washington is a free, guided outdoor program offered through Ford’s Theatre that brings the Civil War history of the nation’s capital to life on foot. Against the backdrop of a Washington, D.C. surrounded by slave-holding states and Confederate sympathizers, the hike explores the legacy of the 68 forts hastily constructed in the summer of 1861 to defend the city. Participants will cover a two-mile route from Fort DeRussy to Fort Stevens, learning about these historic defenses that still remain part of the city’s landscape today. The program is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and takes place entirely outdoors over both paved and unpaved paths.

When: Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Admission: Free.

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

Route: The 2-mile interpretive hike travels from Fort DeRussy to Fort Stevens.

Distance and terrain: Approximately 2 miles over a mix of paved and unpaved paths; this is an outdoor walking hike.

Parking and transportation: Free parking is available at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center. A yellow school bus will transport participants from Fort Stevens back to the Nature Center after the hike.

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

Educator resources: Classroom teachers may request a letter certifying 1 hour of professional development, along with a packet of resources to help turn the program into a field trip for their students.

Registration: Advance registration is required to participate.