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George Washington Memorial Parkway
Turkey Run Park
Located along the beautiful Virginia shore of the Potomac River just 7 miles from downtown Washington, D.C., Turkey Run Park contains over 700 acres of mostly forested land. Visitors to the park, which is administered by the George Washington Memorial Parkway, discover a quiet refuge from suburbia containing shaded picnic areas, access to miles of hiking trails - including the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, and a surprisingly diverse community of plants and animals.

Directions

Turkey Run Park is located in McLean, Virginia, two miles off the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495) on the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP).

  • From I-495 (The Beltway) - Take exit 14. Follow GWMP for 2 miles to the Turkey Run Park exit on the right. Follow signs into the park.
  • From Washington, D.C. and Old Town Alexandria: Take the GWMP northbound. Take a right-hand exit at the Turkey Run Park sign just after the Parkway Headquarters/U.S. Park Police Substation. Make first right turn into the park.

Facilities

Nestled atop the wooded hills of Turkey Run Park are three picnic areas (Areas A, B, and C). Picnic areas include tables, trash cans, and restroom facilities (with only one restroom open from late October - April 1). There are no picnic shelters. Grilling is permitted in the park. However, you must provide your own grill and artificial fuel source (propane or charcoal). Ground fires are prohibited.

Trails

All trails in Turkey Run Park are designed for foot-traffic only. Bicycles are prohibited. 

Hours

The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

Hikers  

Did You Know?
Approximately three to four million visitors hike a section of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail each year.

Last Updated: August 21, 2007 at 20:39 EST