Fort Marcy Park

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Parks

Maryland

Nearby: Brookmont Park Little Fall Branch Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Marcy Park is a 27-acre park located in Fairfax County, Virginia, near the Potomac River and the state of Maryland.

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Summary

The park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

One of the main attractions in Fort Marcy Park is the Civil War-era fortification, Fort Marcy. The fort was built in 1861 to protect the nation's capital from Confederate forces and played a crucial role in the Civil War. Today, visitors can explore the fort and learn about its history.

Another point of interest in the park is the overlook, which offers stunning views of the Potomac River and the surrounding area. The overlook is accessible via a short hike and is a popular spot for photography.

In addition to the fort and the overlook, Fort Marcy Park also has several hiking trails that vary in difficulty and length. The trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park's natural beauty and wildlife.

Interesting facts about Fort Marcy Park include its use as a training ground for soldiers during World War I and II and its role as a Cold War-era Nike missile site.

The best time of year to visit Fort Marcy Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. However, the park is open year-round and offers different activities depending on the season.

Overall, Fort Marcy Park is a must-visit destination for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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