Battery Kemble Park is a wooded park in Washington, DC’s Palisades, at 3035 Chain Bridge Road NW. Its trails pass Civil War earthworks, including visible gun positions and parapets on the hill, beneath tall pines and past bamboo plots maintained by the National Zoo for its pandas. A grassy, rolling meadow adds open space to the walk. Come to explore the old defenses, hike or run among the trees, or sled on the slopes when it snows. There is no entrance fee.
Civil War earthworks on the trails
Battery Kemble was a Union military position built to help defend Washington from Confederate raids. The park’s preserved terrain still carries traces of that role. As you walk the hillside, look for the old parapets and positions where guns were placed, including sites associated with Parrott rifles.
The defenses are part of the landscape rather than a separate museum display. Following the trails gives you a chance to see the earthworks in place among the trees. The National Park Service maintains the trail.
Pines, bamboo and winter sledding
The park’s paths pass through dense pine woods and open onto a grassy, rolling meadow. Bamboo grows in plots maintained by the National Zoo as food for its pandas. A stream also runs alongside parts of the trails.
When snow falls, the slopes draw sledders. At other times, the paths are used for hiking and running, including outings with dogs. Off-leash dogs have been reported, so take care if you are walking with young children or prefer to keep distance from unleashed pets.
Getting to the park
The entrance address is 3035 Chain Bridge Road NW. One suggested public-transport option is the D6 bus, which stops at Macarthur Boulevard and Chain Bridge Road NW. The park has no entrance fee. Carry out your waste and use the trails with care.
Perguntas frequentes
Is Battery Kemble Park free to visit?
Yes. There is no entrance fee.
What can you see at Battery Kemble Park?
Trails pass Civil War earthworks, including parapets and former gun positions. The park also has pine woods, bamboo plots and a grassy meadow.
Can you go sledding at Battery Kemble Park?
The park is used for sledding on snowy days.
How do you get to Battery Kemble Park by bus?
The D6 bus stop at Macarthur Boulevard and Chain Bridge Road NW is near a trailhead.
