Marsh Boardwalk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Washington, D.C.

Length: .5 mile, round trip
Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆

An out-and-back boardwalk that leads to the marsh at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is located at the far left corner of the gardens. There are signs along the walking paths through the water lily and lotus ponds that point the way. While the boardwalk is a half-mile round trip walk itself, you do have to walk through the gardens to get to it, but the distance is negligible. In fact, I explored the gardens and took the boardwalk to the marsh and only walked about a mile in total. The terrain is flat and suitable for all ages and walking abilities. Even those in wheelchairs can see the gardens and the marsh as long as it has not been raining. The paths through the gardens are dirt and can get muddy if wet.

Start of the Marsh Boardwalk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Washington, D.C.

Marsh Boardwalk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Washington, D.C.

About a tenth of a mile from the start of the boardwalk is a fork to the left that leads to one of two overlooks of the marsh. Both have two-tier decks to accommodate large groups of bird watchers and photographers, though the view is not very good from here because the marsh is so thick with vegetation that you can’t even see the water—bird watchers may disagree. Regardless, it is not even a minute’s walk to the end, so there is no harm in checking it out.

Overgrown section of the marsh at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Washington, D.C.

Two-tier observation deck on the Marsh Boardwalk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Washington, D.C.

Return back to the main part of the boardwalk and take a left. There is another observation deck at the end with two tiers. The marsh in this area is more open, and in my opinion, more picturesque.

Observation deck at the far end of the Marsh Boardwalk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Washington, D.C.

The marsh is tidal, so depending on the time that you visit, you may see water or nothing but mud. I arrived once near low tide and once near high tide.

Marsh at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens near low tide

Marsh at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens near high tide

It is possible to kayak or canoe in the marsh, but you must launch your trip from either the boat ramp at the southern end of Anacostia Park or farther north at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. If you do make the trip, be sure you are out of the marsh before low tide rolls around, otherwise you will be stuck in deep mud for up to six hours.

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