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Fort Ward Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 479 Google reviews · Running trail in Alexandria, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Fort Ward Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Historic 43-acre park featuring a Civil War museum, dog exercise area, playground & amphitheater.
What runners say about Fort Ward Park
“Gorgeous walking loop with rolling hills”
Quaint little park with small but impressive array of Civil War memorabilia. Fort Ward was one of a series of installations that protected the Nation’s Capital and the Alexandria waterways.
Great place for outdoor walking and jogging. Also, the Fort Ward Museum is worth visiting too.
Lovely park for walking, playing, and learning! Plenty of parking along the paved walking trails, picnic areas, and historic sites. One of my favorite escapes from the city!
Beautiful during rainy days..... Great park for walking or picnics 🤠🤠🤠
Trail conditions & character
“There is a black top path that is shared with walkers and drivers seeking to a parking space.”
“Children’s play ground, dog walking, running, walking, group reserved spots for BBQ, historic site and cemetery are some of the activities and spots you can get here.”
“Plenty of parking along the paved walking trails, picnic areas, and historic sites.”
Plan your run at Fort Ward Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitealexandriava.gov
- Phone(703) 746-4343
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
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