National Park Service News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May
16, 2014
Contact: Jenny
Anzelmo-Sarles jenny_anzelmo-sarles@nps.gov
The National Park Service (NPS) is advising the
public to be prepared for high water closures in parks throughout the
Washington, D.C., area. National Weather Service (NWS) models are predicting
water levels to rise and peak late Saturday
or early Sunday. Road, facility and
trail closures should be expected throughout the weekend.
Visitors should check park websites for the most
current information, but are cautioned that these situations can evolve rapidly
and information on specific closures may be delayed. Park visitors who venture
out onto trails should expect muddy conditions and puddles.
Park Specific Closures and Contact Information
National Mall & Memorial Parks:
Hains Point remains closed. Ohio Drive (along the Potomac River and next to the
recreational fields is currently open) but may close if water levels rise as
predicted. Ohio Drive (along the Washington Channel, near the East Potomac Park
Tennis Center) remains closed. East Potomac Park Golf Course and Tennis Center
will likely be closed until water levels recede. Some other low-lying areas of
the National Mall, including a portion of Independence Avenue, may be closed if
water levels rise as predicted. In anticipation, some permitted events
including the BKB Foundation and Children’s Fund foot-races are canceled. www.nps.gov/nama
Rock Creek Park:
Park visitors should expect downed trees and various debris along trails and
roads. Rock Creek Parkway and Beach Drive may experience closures this weekend
during periods of high water. www.nps.gov/rocr
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical
Park: Several closures are in place and low-lying
areas of the canal towpath may close if water levels rise as predicted. Current
closures are: Capital Crescent Trail between Fletcher’s Boathouse and Water
Street including the Foundry Branch Tunnel (due to sewage overflow), entrance
road to Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, Olmsted Overlook, Billy Goat Trail,
15 Mile Creek Campground, and the Appalachian Trail Bridge over the Potomac
River. The following boat ramps are closed: Big Slackwater, Taylors Landing,
Snyder Landing, Nolands Ferry, Monocacy, Edwards Ferry, Lander, Brunswick and
Point of Rocks. www.nps.gov/choh
George Washington Memorial Parkway:
Drivers may experience lane closures during periods of high water especially
around Memorial Bridge. www.nps.gov/gwmp
Great Falls Park:
In Maryland- the park is closed to vehicle access. In Virginia- visitors may
experience some trail closures during periods of high water. If water levels
rise more than predicted the park will close.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park:
The park has evacuated several offices and historic buildings along Shenandoah
Street. Hikers should be prepared for the Appalachian Trail to be closed near
Harpers Ferry and Lock 33 of the C&O Canal. www.nps.gov/hafe
Monocacy National
Battlefield: The following are
closed: Worthington Ford Trail, Middle Ford Ferry Trail and Gambrill Mill Trail
and boardwalk. Visitors should also expect a closure of the Brook Hill trail.
Other park trails are muddy. www.nps.gov/mono
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