National Arboretum Figure-Eight Loop Hiking Guide
The U.S. National Arboretum in Northeast Washington is run by the Department of Agriculture rather than the Park Service, and its grounds make a fine short hike. This figure-eight, mapped on Hiking Project, pairs the open meadow around the Capitol Columns with the wooded paths of the Azalea Collections. Admission is free, but the gates keep strict hours.
Route and Distance
Hiking Project maps a 2.0-mile figure-eight with 209 feet of climbing and rates it easy. Start from the parking area on Meadow Road by the Bonsai museum and walk south on the paved Capitol Columns Loop through the meadow to the columns. Near the putting greens toward Azalea Road and Eagle Nest Road, a bike rack and bench mark the entrance to the Hamilton Loop. Climb on hardpack dirt and gravel through the Azalea Collections, come back on the Hamilton Trail beside Azalea Road and close the loop at Meadow Road.
Hours and Gates
The grounds are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except December 25, with last entry at 4:30 p.m. Use the R Street gate (enter 2400 R Street NE in your GPS), which admits traffic from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The New York Avenue gate closes to all traffic at 2 p.m. on weekdays and 4:30 p.m. on weekends, which catches people out. Walkers and cyclists should always use R Street.
Getting There Without a Car
Stadium-Armory, on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines, is the closest Metrorail station. The Arboretum's directions use the C41 bus northbound for 13 stops to Bladensburg Road and Rand Place NE, then one block south to R Street and about two blocks east to the gate. A Capital Bikeshare dock sits just outside the R Street entrance.
Rules
Pets must stay leashed and out of garden beds, owners must clean up after them, and they are not allowed in the Administration Building or the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. Bikes and scooters belong on the roads only. Picnicking is limited to the National Grove of State Trees, alcohol and fires are banned, and children under 16 need an adult with them. Every plant, flower and seed is protected.
Facilities and Timing
Restrooms are in the Administration Building until 4:30 p.m. and at Arbor House by the R Street gate until 5 p.m.; the seasonal ones at the Asian Collection and near the Grove lot close for winter. Hiking Project says the azaleas begin to bloom in late April, the obvious time to go. The bonsai museum, generally open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is an easy add-on.
Hiking tips for National Arboretum Figure-Eight Loop
- Enter at R Street; the New York Avenue gate shuts at 2 p.m. on weekdays.
- Head back toward the car by 4:30 so you're out before the 5 p.m. close.
- Visit in late April for the azaleas.
- Keep dogs on the paths and out of the planted beds.
- Use the Arbor House restroom once the Administration Building has closed.
Nearby trails to explore
- Fort Circle Hiker-Biker Trail
- Theodore Roosevelt Island Swamp Trail
- Milkhouse Ford Loop (Rock Creek Park)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
The Arboretum makes an easy, free group outing in Northeast DC. Plan one on TrailMates, set an R Street meetup time in the event's group chat so nobody misses the gate, and walk the columns and azaleas together. TrailMates is on the App Store or Google Play.