The National Park Service and National Park Foundation are hosting National Park Week from April 15 to 23. In addition to several events hosted by NPS, all national parks will have free admission over the weekends.
During these two weekends, consider visiting some local parks around D.C to enjoy the fresh air and warm weather. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal offers hiking and biking trails as well as a mobile tour for walking along the canal.
The Great Falls entrance to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal normally has a fee so make sure to go on the free weekend of April 22-23. Great Falls is known for its beautiful rapids. Though the entrance fee is free on this weekend, consider spending a little cash and stopping at the Great Falls Tavern anyway, it is known for its hospitality towards visitors.
For beginner hikers, look into the short trails at Theodore Roosevelt Island, which will be blooming with new buds and wildlife. This historic island is free to the public all year round, but definitely worth the metro ride out to see it in bloom.
Rock Creek Park offers weekend activities closer to home. There will be a “Run of the Mill” event at Peirce Mill on Earth Day on April 22. Come see the last surviving gristmill grind corn to corn meal or explore the section of Rock Creek park that Teddy Roosevelt frequented.
National Park Week will conclude on April 23 with Park Rx Day to celebrate all of the health benefits from National Parks. The National Park Week encourages everyone to get outside and walk around a national park on this day for better health. The day is aligned with the Step It Up! Campaign from the U.S Surgeon General, which is promoting better health and more walkable communities.
