At a Glance

Hours: Open 9 am to sunset daily, except closed on January 1, Thanksgiving, & December 25.

Cost: Free.

Tips: Bring a scope. ■ The trails near the entrance road are fairly well maintained, but become less so the farther you go toward the Potomac River. Be prepared for possible trees down over the trails and for unmowed grass and/or muddy conditions. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended. ■ There is no hunting here. ■ No restrooms.

Best Seasons: Fall and spring.

Breeding Bird Atlas Block: Alexandria SE

Local MOS Chapter: Patuxent Bird Club

Fort Foote Park

8915 Fort Foote Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
(301) 763-4600

Fort Foote Park is a neighborhood gem in southern Maryland that offers opportunities to ponder history and connect with the beauty of the Potomac River. Fort Foote is located on the Potomac River in Prince Georges County, just south of Washington, DC. This park, operated by the National Park Service, is on the site of a gun battery installed on the Potomac River during the Civil War and subsequently abandoned. It operated as a fort from 1863 to 1878, and then was used only briefly as a military training site during the First and Second World Wars. Less extensive than Fort Washington, little remains of Fort Foote’s former function, although interpretive signs point out the more significant remnants of the fort. The main impression is that the woods are taking over the site of the former fort.

For a birder, Fort Foote offers rare access to the Potomac River shoreline, which is largely privately owned and heavily developed. There is no fee to enter the park, and though small (about 76 acres), it is relatively natural and makes for a pleasant visit. The site is mostly wooded with an open recreation area along the entrance road. Beyond it, an area of scrub and tangles is sometimes left unmowed, traversed by a mowed trail. There is an old road that extends northward from the entrance, offering easy walking access to some of the park. Unmarked foot-trails extend from the entrance road toward the Potomac shoreline. Views of the river are available through the trees; the north end of the park probably offers the best views.

Birdlife:

Over 120 species have been reported at the eBird hotspot for Fort Foote Park. Considering its strategic location, the park appears to be under-birded.

In fall, look for migrant sparrows and warblers in the tangles, and watch for migrating Red-headed Woodpeckers near the parking area. In both spring and fall migration seasons, the wooded trails are good for migrant passerines. Look for waterfowl and gulls in the winter and terns and swallows in the summer.

Wheelchair Access:

The foot-trails are not wheelchair accessible, but some birding is possible from the entrance road and parking area.

Pet Policy:

Pets are allowed on leash; pick up after your pet.

Special Features:

As a historical site, the park is a good place for a family visit. You can read about the fort’s history on the National Park Service website:

Local MOS Chapter:

The local chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society is the Patuxent Bird Club, which offers field trips and meetings with informative programs, all free and open to the public.

Parking:

Small parking lot on the entrance road.

Directions:

From the Capital Beltway (I-495/I-95): Take Exit 3, MD Route 210/Indian Head Highway southbound, and drive for approximately 3.5 miles to Old Fort Road. Turn right (northwest) onto Old Fort Road and proceed for 1 mile. At Fort Foote Road, turn left (west). Fort Foote Road will take you due west through a residential development and then will make a sharp right turn to go north. Continue north on Fort Foote Road to the park entrance on the left, just before Jessica Drive on the right. Continue to the parking area.

Nearby Sites:

Prince George’s County: Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (restricted access) ■ Bladensburg Waterfront Park, Colmar Manor Community Park & Anacostia River Trail ■ Cedarville State Forest ■ Fort Washington (National) Park ■ Fran Uhler Natural Area ■ Governor Bridge Natural Area ■ Greenbelt (National) Park ■Greenbelt Lake Municipal Park (Buddy Attick Lake Park) ■ Lake Artemesia Natural Area ■ Merkle Natural Resources Management Area ■ Milltown Landing Natural Resources Management Area ■ Oxon Cove Park & Oxon Hill Farm ■Patuxent Research Refuge – South Tract (National Wildlife Visitor Center) ■ Patuxent River Park – Jug Bay Natural Area ■ Patuxent River Park – Mount Calvert Historical & Archaeological Park ■ Piscataway MOS Sanctuary ■Piscataway (National) Park: National Colonial Farm, Boardwalk, Wharf Road/Farmington Landing & Marshall Hall ■Rocky Gorge Reservoir – Supplee Lane Recreation Area & Duckett Dam ■ Rosaryville State Park ■ Schoolhouse Pond