This 361 acre wooded park was once home to an earthen fort built to protect Washington, DC, during the Civil War. Today, visitors can see the fort's earthworks and escape to the great outdoors. Activities include picnics, nature walks, biking, gardening, environmental education, music, and ranger-led programs.
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursOpen: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 771-208-1571 · keaq_visitorservices@nps.gov
Fort Dupont Park is located in Southeast Washington, DC, east of the Anacostia River. It is not near Dupont Circle. The closest metro rail stops are Potomac Avenue and Minnesota Avenue on the orange line, Benning Road on the blue line. Fort Dupont Park is served by several Metrobus routes. The most
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Fort Dupont Park — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Fort Dupont Park?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Fort Circle Hiker-Biker Trail, Fort Dupont Park Hiker-Biker Spur, Fort Dupont Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Fort Dupont Park. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?
Yes — Fort Dupont Park is a spot for wildlife and bird watching. Keep your distance and never feed animals.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Yes What are the hours?
Open: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
Nearby sites
NPS Photo/Miguel Marquez National Park Service Anacostia Park
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
NPS Photo / Nate Johnson National Park Service Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
ConfirmedYour pass covers the $1 park entrance fee.
