The BARK Ranger program from the National Park Service is a fun way to get out and explore the parks around DC. Thanks to social media, they’ve become a popular activity for animal lovers to do with their dogs, and more local national parks are implementing their own programs.
There are currently 13 programs in or near DC, and all of them are a bit different. Some are only available during special events, while others are available at any time.
When going to any park, always assume that dogs are not allowed inside any buildings, including the visitor’s centers.
This article highlights the BARK Ranger programs that are within 2 hours of DC. I have provided details on the programs as well as tips on getting the most out of your trip.
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What is the BARK Ranger Program?
The BARK Ranger programs are created by National Park Service employees or interns. From the park’s perspective, not only does it reinforce responsible use of the park by pet owners, but it also serves as an additional way to draw people into the park.
Personally, I had never heard of Prince William Forest Park before I heard that they had a BARK Ranger program. I would have never have gone and experienced the park if they didn’t have the program. I know that other parks like Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are always looking for ways to engage the community to discover and use the park, and this is one of the fun ways to do that.
While your dog isn’t required to, you can dress up your dog as a park ranger!
National Parks with BARK Ranger Programs Near DC
Washington, DC has 3 BARK Ranger programs within its borders, and 12 others within about a 2 hours drive. This means that you can not only enjoy some great parks with your pets, but you can earn a badge for doing so. As more and more national and local parks start implementing BARK Ranger programs, you can expect more.
This section goes through the currently active BARK Ranger programs and how you can participate. Some have more detailed guides to help you plan your trip.
Rock Creek Park BARK Ranger
Rock Creek Park was the first BARK Ranger program in DC, and launched in October 2023. Rock Creek Park spans a lot of the city, and you can’t get sworn in just anywhere. This was the first BARK Ranger badge that Lil Mikey earned!
Rock Creek Park hosts BARK Ranger swearing in ceremony events that include a short walk through the park. Typically this is held at the Nature Center off of Military Road, but they have recently begun offering the program at other areas of the park, like Dumbarton Oaks Park.
In addition to the events, they will offer badges on other days, but they encourage you to call to check for availability (of both staff members and the badges).
Currently the badges are metal and generic BARK Ranger badges that don’t say it’s for Rock Creek Park specifically, unfortunately, but they do continue to evolve the program. When I went on the very first day it launched, it only had paper certificates, so they are continuing to figure things out.
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens BARK Ranger
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is one of my favorite places in the city, and is a true hidden gem. Best known for their ethereal lotus flowers, it is a peaceful, beautiful place year round. In June of 2024, they launched their BARK Ranger program, featuring the lotus flower.
Kenilworth has a simple activity for you and your dog to follow: take 3 photos of you obeying the BARK Code of Conduct. Once you’ve done that, you can go to the visitor’s center to claim your badge. I have a more detailed guide to earning your BARK Ranger badge at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens as well.
Read the full guide on getting your Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens BARK Ranger badge.
National Cherry Blossom Festival BARK Ranger
The National Mall does not offer a BARK Ranger badge, except during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
In 2024, as part of the Cherry Blossom Festival, the National Park Service arranged for 2 days where dogs could go on a walk around the FDR Memorial with a ranger and earn a badge at the end. Both days were very well attended. The badges were not available outside of these 2 special events.
For the 2025 festival, while the schedule has not been announced, I am expecting it to return because of how popular it was. The badge itself was for the festival and not the Mall, and had a pretty cherry blossom design on it.
C&O Canal BARK Ranger at Great Falls Tavern (MD)
The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park spans DC, Maryland, and West Virginia. Their BARK Ranger program is the newest in the area, and is only available on select days and times.
Located on the other side of Great Falls in Maryland, on most Fridays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, your dog (or other pets) can become an official C&O Canal BARK Ranger at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. This program is limited only to those times currently, and you won’t be able to earn a badge outside of the official events.
Read the full guide on getting your C&O Canal National Historical Park badge.
Great Falls (VA) BARK Ranger
Great Falls on the Virginia side offers the BARK Ranger badges for completing a scavenger hunt. The park rangers do require you to complete the scavenger hunt, so be sure to grab the pamphlet (or read this guide with the tasks) before you explore the park.
Read the full guide on getting your Great Falls BARK Ranger badge.
Wolf Trap BARK Ranger
That’s right, Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts has a BARK Ranger program!
Wolf Trap is one of the harder BARK Ranger badges to get. It is recommended that you call the park before heading over to be sure that you’ll be able to get a badge. The ranger station is officially closed from December 15 through March 31, and the opening hours vary during the performance season (May through September).
To earn your badge, you need to do one of the following:
- Take a walk on one of the trails
- Spread the BARK Ranger principles
- Take a photo of your dog enjoying the park responsibly and post to social media
Prince William Forest BARK Ranger
The largest green space near Washington, DC, Prince William Forest Park near Quantico has miles and miles of trails for you to explore with your dog.
Earning your BARK Ranger badge here is pretty straightforward, just make sure the visitor’s center will be open.
Read the full guide on getting your Prince William Forest Park BARK Ranger badge.
Fort McHenry BARK Ranger
Fort McHenry is famous as the subject of Francis Scott Key’s Star Spangled Banner. During the War of 1812, he was captured and brought to a British ship, where he watched the British attack Fort McHenry in Baltimore.
The BARK Ranger program at Fort McHenry is only available during special events, and badges are not available outside of these events. Keep an eye out on the calendar for future BARK Ranger opportunities.
Monocacy Battlefield BARK Ranger
During the Civil War, the Battle of Monocacy was known as “the battle that saved Washington.” It’s only fitting that DC residents go and explore the Monocacy National Battlefield park.
To become a BARK Ranger at Monocacy, head to the visitor’s center and ask for a pamphlet on how to become a BARK Ranger. Free tags are available for your pup.
Harper’s Ferry BARK Ranger
Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park takes some planning. The parking in town is very tight, with parking only allowed on one street and one parking lot, and realistically the only parking you can count on is at the visitor’s center, unless you go very early.
Normally, visitors will park at the visitor’s center and take a free shuttle into town. However, the shuttle does not allow pets. People who want to go to Harper’s Ferry to go on the trails (like the famous Maryland Heights trail view of the town) will have to add on walking the additional 2 miles each way from the visitor’s center to the town before heading on their hikes.
The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park BARK Ranger title can be earned at the visitor’s center or the Lower Town Information Center. Once your dog completes the short program, they’ll be sworn in and you can purchase BARK Ranger tags, bandanas, and more in the Lower Town bookshop.
Hampton House BARK Ranger
The Hampton National Historic Site just north of Baltimore is a historic plantation that seeks to tell the complex history of enslavement, industry, and wealth. Set on 25,000 acres, the wheat and tobacco plantation includes the mansion and historic outbuildings like living quarters for the enslaved and agricultural buildings.
To become a BARK Ranger at Hampton National Historic Site, go to the visitor’s center and get the BARK Ranger activity card. Complete the activities, and bring the card back to be sworn in.
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania Military Park BARK Ranger
One of the largest military parks in the country, the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park was the site of 4 battles during the Civil War, including the Battle of the Wilderness.
To become a BARK Ranger at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, go to any of the visitor’s center to take the pledge. BARK Ranger accessories are available for purchase.
George Washington Birthplace BARK Ranger
While people in DC are familiar with George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon, he was born in Westmoreland County originally. You can visit the site of his birth (though the house no longer stands) and learn more about George Washington’s legacy and life while enjoying the views of the Potomac River.
To become a BARK Ranger at George Washington Birthplace National Monument, head to the visitor’s center and get the activity card. Once you’re done, talk to a park ranger to get your badge.
Eisenhower BARK Ranger
The Eisenhower National Historic Site is located next to Gettysburg National Military Park. It preserves the farm of President Eisenhower, and focuses on the life of the president and the Cold War.
To become a BARK Ranger at Eisenhower National Historic Site, ask a park ranger or volunteer at the Eisenhower Home or Eisenhower Park Headquarters for the BARK Ranger activity booklet. Complete each activity, take the pledge, and earn a badge!
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad BARK Ranger
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Church Creek, MD is jointly administered by the National Park Service and Maryland State Parks. The BARK Ranger program is run by the Maryland State Parks, and includes a certificate and keychain (and some times dog treats). You’ll need to walk your dog around a 3/4 mile trail to earn the title of BARK Ranger.
Merch Only: Shenandoah BARK Ranger
Shenandoah National Park does not currently have a BARK Ranger program (though one is rumored to be in the works), but you can buy BARK Ranger merchandise at the Big Meadows Wayside.
No Longer Active: Manassas Battlefield BARK Ranger
Originally launched in October 2020, Manassas National Battlefield Park in had swearing in ceremonies with tags. Famous for the two Battles of Bull Run, the park no longer offers a BARK Ranger program.
Summary
There are plenty of places to become a BARK Ranger near Washington DC, but they are all run a little differently. Be sure to plan your visit ahead of time so there’s no confusion or disappointment, and don’t be afraid to call ahead for the parks that are further out.
Even if you don’t want to travel far from DC, you can start collecting BARK Ranger badges for your pets at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and Rock Creek Park.
The BARK Ranger program is a fun way to get people to explore new national parks, and to reinforce responsible dog ownership so that our national parks remain in good condition for future generations to enjoy.
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