Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
eral varieties of water lilies. These bloom in the late spring and summer and are best during the morn-
ing before temperatures get too hot—they tend to close up if it reaches over 90 degrees.
The park is popular with birders, who look for rails, sparrows, and blackbirds. Ducks and Canada
geese are very abundant and easy to spot. Several types of wildlife also reside in the park including
frogs, turtles, muskrats, and beavers; and butterflies and dragonflies buzz around the marsh pools.
Boardwalks lead out to the mudflats right along the river. Look for great blue herons and other water
birds as you walk out there. On the Marsh and River Trail, walk between the Kenilworth Marsh and a
wooded swamp to the end, where the two meet the Anacostia River. Many people visit the area by ca-
noe, so you might see some on the river. A seawall was built here in the early twentieth century; rem-
nants can be seen today along the river's edge. Unfortunately, the seawall proved to be ecologically
unfriendly and didn't prevent flooding as it was intended.
Kenilworth is the only national park dedicated to water plants. The visitor center has restrooms and
sells bottled water and gifts. The park rangers are very helpful and can answer most of your questions.
Miles and Directions
0.0
Start at the visitor center.
0.2
Go left and out into the lily pond area.
0.3
Go straight onto the boardwalk out to the mudflats.
0.5
Return from the mudflat viewing area and head left along the other side of the lilies.
