Fort Barnard Heights Park

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Parks

Virginia

Nearby: Jennie Dean Park Shirlington Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Barnard Heights Park is a scenic park located in Arlington, Virginia.

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Summary

There are several good reasons to visit this park, including its beautiful views, recreational activities, and historical significance. The park offers several hiking and biking trails that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds for children, and basketball courts for sports enthusiasts.

One of the main points of interest in Fort Barnard Heights Park is the historic Civil War fort, which was constructed in 1861 to protect Washington, D.C. during the Civil War. The fort played a significant role in the defense of the capital during the war, and visitors can explore the remains of the fort and learn about its history.

Interesting facts about the area include that Fort Barnard was named after Brigadier General John Barnard, who was responsible for the construction of many of the fortifications around Washington, D.C. during the Civil War. The park is also home to several species of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds.

The best time of year to visit Fort Barnard Heights Park is during the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild, and the foliage is vibrant. The park is open year-round, but visitors should be aware that some facilities may be closed during the winter months.

Overall, Fort Barnard Heights Park is a beautiful and historically significant destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful retreat, this park is definitely worth a visit.

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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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