Recreation in Our Watershed

Discover what the river can give back to you
Recreation in Our Watershed
Discover what the river can give back to you

Explore the natural abundance of the Anacostia River as it threads through the heart of Washington, DC. Watch birds on Kingman Island or dock at the National Arboretum and roam the forest. Paddle to the Nationals stadium and catch a baseball game or tie-up at Yards Park and explore new restaurants. The Anacostia River corridor has lots of options for outdoor fun and the Anacostia Watershed Society can help you find them.

The Anacostia River is calling you back to its shores and waters, and we're here to guide you:

Maps and Info

  • Anacostia River Trails Map and Guide: The Anacostia River is one of the area’s premier recreational resources, so in partnership with the National Park Service, we’ve produced this handy Map and Guide to help you explore the Anacostia River by foot, bike and boat! The map and guide covers a nine-mile stretch of the Anacostia River, running from Bladensburg, Maryland, through Washington, DC, to its juncture with the Potomac River about two miles south of Capitol Hill. Along this trail, the character of the river varies remarkably. Upstream you’ll find forests, wetlands, and wildlife that seem amazingly removed from the city. Downstream are hubs of riverfront recreation, with community parks, restaurants, and sporting events.
  • WABA's Bike Map Resource Page: Our friends at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) have a wonderful resource for bike routes.
  • Daily Tide Chart: Plan your trip with a peek at the tides.

Activities

  • Anacostia River Discovery Series: Our summer series of weekly events including: Guided Canoe Tours, Motorized Boat Tours, Paddle Nights, Bike Rides, and Nature Walks.
  • Anacostia River Explorers: Learn about the Anacostia River’s history, wildlife, the environmental threats it faces, and the solutions helping it realize its full potential through our Anacostia River Explorers boat tours. Supported by revenue raised from the DC Bag Bill, these guided, interpretative tours of the river typically last 1-2 hours and launch from Bladensburg Waterfront Park, Diamond Teague Park, or Anacostia Park.
  • Our Calendar

Kayak & Canoe Storage Rentals at the Anacostia Community Boathouse

The Anacostia Watershed Society has some rack rental storage for canoes at the Anacostia Community Boathouse. As of October 2022, there is a waiting list, and you can contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested.

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