WNY Riverwalk
The Washington Navy Yard (WNY) Riverwalk opened for limited public access on April 1, 2011. The gated path bordering the Anacostia River was constructed before September 11, 2001, but had been closed to the public for security reasons. The WNY Riverwalk is one of the first pieces of the District of Columbia's planned 16-mile Riverwalk Trail, a walking path that will run along both sides of the Anacostia River.
The WNY Riverwalk is located on the Washington Navy Yard along the Anacostia River between 11th Street SE to the east, and approximately 5th Street SE, where it is adjacent to the Yards Park to the west.
Holders of valid Department of Defense ID cards will be able to enter the WNY via turnstiles along the Riverwalk when the Riverwalk is open. Access for non-ID card holders will continue to be through the Visitors Center, located at the intersection of O Street and 11th Street SE, Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and through the gate located at M Street and 6th Street SE at all other times.
Want to know more? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
Turnstile Access
Access to WNY through a turnstile is only granted to those with valid DoD CAC/I.D. All others must re-enter through another base access points. For more information on entering a turnstile, please click here.
WNY Riverwalk Hours:
Both gates of the WNY Riverwalk are open daily, including weekends and holidays, 24 hours a day Exceptions to these operating hours will be made when it is necessary to accomplish Navy operations. The WNY Riverwalk often closes its inner gates to provide direct access between the Washington Navy Yard and the Display Ship Barry. The Navy may block or restrict access without notice for safety or operational reasons. Public notification for scheduled closures can be found below and unscheduled closures can be followed on Twitter, using the link below.
WNY Riverwalk Scheduled Closings
The 11th Street Bridge team is in the processes of constructing the new path connecting the WNY Riverwalk east gate to the intersection of 11th & O Streets. As a result, this portion is closed until approximately the end of April as they grade/pave the area and add a handrail to the bulkhead.
WNY Riverwalk Rules
- No weapons of any kind, regardless of permit, including firearms and knives.
- No alcohol.
- No pets, other than service animals (WNY residents exempt).
- No bike riding, rollerblading, skateboarding, or scooter use permitted. Child strollers and wheelchairs are allowed.
- No motorized vehicles, excluding wheelchairs.
- No solicitation.
- All bags and purses are subject to search.
- No fishing, docking, swimming or water access.
- Keep off the piers.
Connect to the WNY Riverwalk's Official Twitter page for real-time news and up to date operating hours.
The Display Ship Barry, located along the WNY Riverwalk, can be accessed directly from the WNY Riverwalk during the DS Barry operating hours, which are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The DS Barry is closed on Sundays.
The Navy Museum is located on the Washington Navy Yard and visitors must follow existing procedures to access the installation.