Battery Kemble

Battery Kemble is a strip of forested parkland running from Nebraska Avenue just south of American University to Canal Road near Fletcher's Boathouse. The park lies on either side of a stream valley. During the Civil War, the site held a battery to guard approaches to the Chain Bridge. Trails run from the intersection of Nebraska Avenue and Foxhall Road south to MacArthur Boulevard and Chain Bridge Road.

What to see: While overshadowed by Rock Creek Park, Battery Kemble is an excellent migrant trap in fall and spring. One can see many species of warblers, rose-breasted grosbeaks, several vireos, and Baltimore orioles here. In fall, some fields are allowed to grow into meadows and are good for sparrows. Check dead snags for red-headed woodpeckers in fall migration. Because Batter Kemble has a high proportion of pines, this can be a good place to look for pine-loving species such as red-breasted nuthatches and pine siskins in winter. Wood thrushes and veeries have bred here in the past.

By public transportation: The M4 bus stops on Nebraska Avenue near the entrance of the park; the M4 has a transfer point with the Red Line at the Tenleytown / AU station. Access may also be possible via the D3, D5, and D6 routes on MacArthur Boulevard.

For more information visit: http://www.nps.gov/rocr/ftcircle/kemble.htm

Location

5000 MacArthur Blvd NW

Washington, DC

See map: Google Maps