Fort Marcy

Fort Marcy and its counterpart, Fort Ethan Allen, were hastily planned and built to protect the Chain Bridge approach to Washington, DC during the Civil War. Its earthwork walls, trenches, rifle pits, and parade ground are among the best preserved defenses from that era. Today it is part of a wildlife corridor around the nation's capital.

 

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Things to Do

The men who built Fort Marcy moved massive amounts of earth. They used it to build a system of trenches, high earthwork walls, gun embrasures, mortar platforms, and magazine dugouts that are still visible today.

Fort Marcy and Fort Ethan Allen were connected by a series of roads and trenches. A self guiding walk traces the connection between them.

To request a ranger program at Fort Marcy Park please call 301‑320‑1400 or 703-285-3101.

Hours & Seasons

The grounds at Fort Marcy Park are open year-round from 6 am to 10 pm.

Directions

Fort Marcy Park is in Virginia on the George Washington Memorial Parkway between the Spout Run Parkway and VA-123 exits.

By Car

Fort Marcy Park can only be reached from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. From the parkway, follow the sign to turn right to enter the parking lot.

On Foot

Fort Marcy Park is about four miles north of Theodore Roosevelt Island and about four miles south of Turkey Run Park on the Potomac Heritage Trail.

Facilities

There are no restrooms, water fountains, or trash cans at Fort Marcy Park.

Rules and Regulations

The earthwork walls at Fort Marcy are a fragile historic resource. Do not climb or walk on them.

Commercial activities and activities by organized groups, including commercial photography/filming and weddings, require a permit. For information about permits please call 703‑289‑2513.

For a complete list of rules, please read the Laws & Policies.