Field guide
Parking for Theodore Roosevelt Island trails
Find official information on Theodore Roosevelt Island parking, trail surfaces, and facilities. Plan your run or hike on this wooded island memorial.
Theodore Roosevelt Island is an 88-acre wooded island in the Potomac River. It serves as a memorial to Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States.
This page provides practical details for runners and hikers based on official sources. It covers parking, access, trail conditions, and rules for visiting the island.
Official facts at a glance
- Type of place
- memorial to Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States
- Mailing Address
- 700 George Washington Memorial Parkway McLean, VA 22101
- Trail surface types
- gravel or natural surfaces such as dirt or rock
- Trail difficulty
- Some trail sections are steep and have uneven surfaces with exposed tree roots.
- Parking lot location
- off the northbound lanes of George Washington Memorial Parkway in Virginia between Roosevelt Bridge and Key Bridge
- Standard parking spaces
- 100+ standard spaces
- Comfort station location
- at the south end of the island on the Woods Trail
- Drinking fountain at parking lot
- drinking fountain at the south end of the parking lot near the pedestrian bridge to the island
- Drinking fountains on island
- two drinking fountains on the island
- Pet leash rule
- Pets are welcome on Roosevelt Island, but they must be restrained on a leash no longer than six feet long.
- Pet waste rule
- Pet owners and service animal handlers are responsible for picking up their pet waste and disposing of it in a trash can.
- Vehicle and bike access on island
- No cars or bikes are allowed on the island.
- Island size and type
- 88-acre wooded island in the Potomac River
Sources: Theodore Roosevelt Island (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov), Accessibility (nps.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Parking and island access
The parking lot is located in Virginia, off the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. It is situated between the Roosevelt Bridge and the Key Bridge and contains more than 100 standard spaces.
A pedestrian bridge connects the parking area to the island. No cars or bicycles are permitted on the island itself.
Trails for running and hiking
The trails on the island have gravel or natural surfaces, which can include dirt or rock. Runners and hikers should prepare for these types of paths.
Some sections of the trails are steep. Surfaces can be uneven and may have exposed tree roots.
Facilities and rules
A comfort station is located at the south end of the island on the Woods Trail. Two drinking fountains are available on the island, and another is at the south end of the parking lot near the pedestrian bridge.
Pets are welcome on the island. They must be restrained on a leash that is no longer than six feet long. Pet owners are responsible for picking up their pet's waste and placing it in a trash can.
Before you go
- The parking lot is only accessible from the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
- Bicycles are not allowed on the island, so plan to run or walk.
- Expect trail surfaces of gravel, dirt, or rock, which can be uneven in places.
- Drinking fountains are available in the parking lot and on the island.
- If you bring a pet, it must be on a leash that is six feet long or shorter.
- You are responsible for picking up and disposing of your pet's waste.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Washington, DC. All cities: City running and hiking guides.