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Trails · Potomac River / Rosslyn side
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Free·Leashed only
A 91-acre wooded memorial island in the Potomac administered by the National Park Service, reached by a footbridge from the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Roughly two miles of gravel and boardwalk trails loop through forest and marsh with river views.
Why it made the list
It is a quiet, car-free nature walk minutes from downtown DC — one of the best short leashed hikes in the capital region.
Good to know before you go
Dogs are welcome on the island on a 6-foot leash under NPS regulations for the GW Memorial Parkway; they are not permitted in the fountain/memorial plaza buildings. The island is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. per NPS. No bikes or vehicles on the trails. Hours were not published in the material reviewed.
Practical notes
Park at the lot on the Virginia side and cross the footbridge.
Go early on weekends — the parking lot fills fast.
What is available on site
Shaded seating
Water bowls
House rules and verification
The pet policy above is summarised from the venue’s own published information and cross-checked against public listings. Last checked: against the source on . Policies change without notice anyway, so confirm the current one with the venue before you travel, and keep your dog leashed anywhere that is not a signed off-leash area. Read the full disclaimer.
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Shaded seating
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