Clara Barton National Parkway is a beautiful and historic road located in Maryland, United States. The 7-mile long parkway runs parallel to the Potomac River, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscapes.
This parkway holds great historical significance as it was named after Clara Barton, the pioneering nurse who founded the American Red Cross. Barton lived and worked in the area during the late 19th century, providing aid and support to soldiers and civilians during the Civil War. The parkway serves as a tribute to her humanitarian efforts and contributions to American society.
Travelers visiting Clara Barton National Parkway can enjoy a variety of activities and attractions nearby. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the parkway's proximity to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. This provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the rich history of the C&O Canal.
Additionally, Great Falls Park is conveniently located near the parkway. Here, visitors can witness the stunning Great Falls of the Potomac and engage in activities such as picnicking, kayaking, and even rock climbing.
Nature lovers can also make a stop at Glen Echo Park, a nearby national park known for its beautiful landscapes and historic buildings. The park offers art exhibitions, workshops, and various cultural events throughout the year.
Overall, Clara Barton National Parkway in Maryland offers a wonderful blend of history and natural beauty. With its proximity to other attractions like the C&O Canal and Great Falls Park, visitors can enjoy a day filled with outdoor activities and immerse themselves in the rich history of the area.
Clara Barton National Parkway is nestled within the scenic state of Maryland, which is located in the northeastern region of the United States. The parkway stretches along the picturesque Potomac River, offering a serene and idyllic setting for visitors to enjoy. Meandering through Montgomery County, the parkway showcases the natural beauty of the area, with lush green landscapes, towering trees, and stunning river vistas. With its close proximity to the nation's capital, the parkway allows adventurers to escape the bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Maryland countryside.
5801 Oxford RoadGlen Echo, MD 20812Driving DirectionsPhone: 3013201400Web: Link
The best time to visit Clara Barton National Parkway would be in the months of May through September. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 76°F to 89°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The average minimum temperatures during this period also range from 54°F to 69°F, ensuring comfortable conditions even in the evenings. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during these months varies from 4.3 inches to 5.1 inches, which is moderately high but should not significantly hinder outdoor activities.
Some of the activities you can do in Clara Barton National Parkway are: Guided Tours Museum Exhibits
Learn about these topics at Clara Barton National Parkway: Tragic Events Women's History Wars and Conflicts Civil War Social Movements
Bonita Canyon Campground is a small, historic campground with many trees. It has 23 sites ALL by reservation only. The campground has flush toilets, running water, and picnic tables. No ground fires, hook ups, showers, or dump station. Vehicle length limit is 29 feet (dip in road damages longer vehicle). Read all info and regulations before booking on Recreation.gov Bring everything you need! Food, beverages, ice, charcoal, wood, fuel, and many camping supplies are not available at the park store.
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Bonita Canyon Campground.
This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).
With a stay at Days Inn by Wyndham Washington DC/Connecticut Avenue in Washington (Northwest), you'll be a 4-minute drive from Smithsonian's National Zoo and 6 minutes from George Washington University. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and express check-out. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 250 square feet (23 square meters), including a meeting room. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 4400 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20008
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With a stay at Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington (Woodley Park), you'll be a 2-minute drive from Smithsonian's National Zoo. Featured amenities include a business center, limo/town car service, and express check-out. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 99998 square feet (9290 square meters), including a conference center.
Address: 2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, District of Columbia 20008
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Located in Arlington (Maywood), Inns Of Virginia - Arlington is within a 5-minute drive of Georgetown Waterfront Park and Watergate Complex. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3335 Lee Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22207
Web: Link
A stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington DC Chevy Chase Pavilion places you in the heart of Washington, within a 10-minute drive of George Washington University and White House. Featured amenities include wired Internet access (surcharge), a 24-hour business center, and limo/town car service. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has 6232 square feet (579 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and a meeting room. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 4300 Military Rd Nw, Washington, District of Columbia 20015
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With a stay at Glover Park Hotel Georgetown in Washington (Woodley Park), you'll be a 3-minute walk from Embassy of Russian Federation and a 1-minute drive from Embassy of the United Kingdom. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 3500 square feet (325 square meters), including a conference center. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 2505 Wisconsin Ave Nw, Washington, District of Columbia 20007
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Located in Washington (Woodley Park), Washington Marriott Wardman Park is within a 5-minute drive of Embassy of Haiti and Smithsonian's National Zoo. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 196222 square feet (18229 square meters), including a conference center. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 2660 Woodley Road NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20008
Web: Link
A stay at Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center places you in the heart of Washington, steps from Georgetown University and 8 minutes by foot from Embassy of France. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Washington? This hotel has facilities measuring 13500 square feet (1215 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20057
Web: Link
With a stay at this apartment in Washington (Northwest), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Rock Creek Park and Howard University.
Address: 4358 Argyle Terrace Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20011
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Located in Washington (Northwest), this apartment is within a 5-minute drive of Rock Creek Park and Howard University. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4358 Argyle Terrace Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia 20011
Web: Link
Located in McLean, this aparthotel is within a 15-minute drive of Georgetown University and George Washington University. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7480 Birdwodd Ave, McLean, Virginia 22102
Web: Link
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-04-03 | Clara Barton National Historic Site is currently closed The Clara Barton National Historic Site is currently closed for safety related inspection and testing. |
| 2026-02-22 | Temporary Closure of Right Lane of Clara Barton Parkway Temporary Closure of the Clara Barton Parkway Right Lane at Site 17, wooded areas between C&O Canal and Lock 10 parking lot, north to Lock 14, required to address ongoing safety concerns from DC Water emergency sanitary sewer overflow & bypass and pipe repair operations. Click on "More" below for specifica details on the closure. More |
| 2025-11-26 | Clara Barton Symposium Showcases Student Research and Park Connections You are invited to attend the Clara Barton Symposium, highlighting new historical research conducted by Georgetown University students. This free event will take place on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Glen Echo Park. More |
| 2025-09-02 | National Park Service seeks public input on Clara Barton Parkway Cantilever and Glen Echo Overpass Environmental Assessment The EA evaluates the potential environmental impacts from replacing the cantilever structure and adjacent retaining walls between Cabin John Parkway and the Macarthur Boulevard exit ramp, and demolishing the unused Glen Echo Overpass, an associated feature of Clara Barton Parkway. Comments on the EA will be accepted September 9, 2025 through October 9, 2025. More |
| 2025-07-15 | Help Shape the Future of Clara Barton’s Historic Home The National Park Service (NPS), through its George Washington Memorial Parkway, is excited to announce plans to rehabilitate the Clara Barton National Historic Site— and we want your input! Your voice matters. The park is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) that explains the proposed work and its potential impacts. Once the EA is released, there will be a public comment period. You’ll be able to review the document and share your thoughts. Comment Period: July 15 – Sept. 9, 2025. More |