Fort Circle Parks Trail

One of the first designated National Recreation Trails, the Fort Circle Parks Trail, which is also known as the Fort Circle Parks Hiker-Biker Trail, lies in the highly urban southeastern part of Washington. While this may be the case, this historic trails runs through surprisingly large green areas, linking together six of the forts that were constructed in the area during the Civil War.

This is a trail popular with history buffs, as it will teach you so much more about what life was like here in the 1860's. While some of the fort parks showcase more original remnants than others, each of the six forts still has a fascinating story to tell.

The greenbelt that the Fort Circle Parks Trail runs through is heavily forested, offering up an oasis of calm in the heart of Washington. You and your pooch will likely encounter some wildlife along the way, from rabbits to opossums to squirrels. Most of the trail is lined with mature trees, from oak and beech to maple and pine, giving you and Fido a beautiful green canopy overhead. Of course, this trail is located in a densely populated area, meaning that you will also come across multiple busy road crossings.

Being well-signed in most places, the Fort Circle Parks Trail is an easy one to follow. Although the trail is only paved in some areas, with a grass or dirt path in others, the surface is still easy to walk the entire way, and won't be too hard on Fido's paws. You will encounter a couple of hills along the way, but these are only at a gentle incline, and you will likely not even notice them.

While Washington is home to several other forts from the Civil War, many of these are not on public land. This makes the Fort Circle Parks Trail a pawtastic opportunity to visit some of these historic remains, learning more about the country's history with your pooch by your side.