About Swanson Trail
Swanson Trail is a easy hiking trail near Washington Navy Yard in District of Columbia County, District of Columbia.. The surface is dirt. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
EasyDirt
Swanson Trail
Washington Navy Yard, District of Columbia · District of Columbia County
Swanson Trail is a easy hiking trail near Washington Navy Yard in District of Columbia County, District of Columbia.. The surface is dirt. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.
Advertisement
38.87884, -76.95657
Open in OpenStreetMap5-Day Forecast
Weather at Swanson Trail
Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.
Today
Overcast
86°/74°
💧 14%🌬 9mph
↑ 6:10 AM ↓ 8:17 PM
Tue
Overcast
84°/70°
💧 1%🌬 8mph
↑ 6:11 AM ↓ 8:15 PM
Wed
Thunderstorm
81°/72°
💧 32%🌬 7mph
↑ 6:12 AM ↓ 8:14 PM
Thu
Heavy Drizzle
96°/71°
💧 12%🌬 11mph
↑ 6:13 AM ↓ 8:13 PM
Fri
Violent Rain
97°/74°
💧 20%🌬 11mph
↑ 6:14 AM ↓ 8:12 PM
Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.
What “Easy” Means
Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.
What to Pack & Wear
Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.
👔 What to Wear
- UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
- Light shorts/skirtLoose-fit, breathable.
- Wide-brimmed sun hatPlus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
- Polarized sunglassesCritical for glare from sun + sand/water.
🎒 What to Pack
- WaterBring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- High-energy snacksA snack for the trail.
- Sun protection (UV 7)SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- First-aid kitBlister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- Offline mapDownload your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- Dry bags for electronicsPhone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Trail Safety in District of Columbia
Trail conditions in District of Columbia change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:
- Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
- Tell someone your plan and expected return time
- Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
- Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes
References & Maps
Nearby
Other Trails Near Swanson Trail
Closest trailheads, sorted by distance from this one.
Guides & rankings
More on hiking in District of Columbia
Photo: Joshua EarleState Rankings
The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in District of Columbia, Ranked
District of Columbia's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.
Photo: Holly MandarichState Rankings
District of Columbia's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain
Steep is hard. These are the ten District of Columbia trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.
Photo: Tobias MrzykState Rankings
The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in District of Columbia
Ten gentle, well-marked District of Columbia trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.
Photo: Joshua EarleState Rankings
The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in District of Columbia
District of Columbia's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.
Photo: Joshua EarleParks & Travel
The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in District of Columbia
Federal parks and recreation areas in District of Columbia ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.
Photo: Sergei AkulichState Rankings
Best Waterfall Hikes in District of Columbia: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close
District of Columbia's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.