Gravelly Point Boat Ramp: Open Or Closed?

The Gravelly Point Boat Ramp in Arlington, Virginia, is a popular spot for boaters, cyclists, and airplane spotters. Located along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, it provides access to the Potomac River near DC. While the ramp itself is nice, the parking situation has been described as challenging, with limited spots for trailer parking. The Gravelly Point Boat Ramp is accessible by car via the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway and by bike and foot via the Mount Vernon Trail.

Gravelly Point boat ramp parking

The parking lot at Gravelly Point Park tends to fill up early, especially on weekends, so it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot. The lot is often filled with fishermen's rigs, leaving few spaces for pleasure boaters' vehicles and trailers. There is an option to park at Columbia Island Marina, about two miles north on the Parkway, which has plenty of parking for trailers and costs $5.

When accessing Gravelly Point boat ramp from the Rt 66 side, note that there is construction on the GW Parkway, which may impact the ease of access, especially for larger boats. The boat ramp can be accessed from both directions on the GW Parkway, but once the boat is in the water, you will be in DC-controlled waters.

The Gravelly Point boat ramp is a great location for accessing the Potomac River near DC. However, be mindful of the no-wake zones and ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment on board.

Accessing the boat ramp

The Gravelly Point boat ramp is located in Gravelly Point Park, in Arlington, Virginia. The park is a National Park Service site, situated along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, just north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

To access the boat ramp by car, you must use the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. There is an on-site parking lot available, but it tends to fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so it is advisable to arrive early to secure a spot. The parking spots are also reportedly quite tight for trailers, and there are signs indicating that you should not park over the curb.

Alternatively, you can access the boat ramp by bike or on foot via the Mount Vernon Trail. The boat ramp is also close to the Columbia Island Marina, which is about two miles north on the Parkway and has a $5 ramp fee.

When launching your boat, note that the construction on the GW Parkway may cause some access issues, especially if your boat is on the larger side. Once your boat is in the water, you will be in DC-controlled waters. Be sure to have all the necessary safety equipment on board and obey the no-wake zones, as the water police are often present.

The Gravelly Point boat ramp is a great spot for accessing the Potomac River near DC, and with its proximity to the airport, it offers a unique experience of watching planes take off and land up close.

Other boat ramps in the area

The Gravelly Point Boat Ramp is located on the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, just minutes away from downtown Arlington. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, plane spotting, and other outdoor activities. While the Gravelly Point Boat Ramp is a great option for water enthusiasts, there are also other boat ramps in the area that offer similar experiences.

One alternative is the Columbia Island Marina, which is located about two miles north of Gravelly Point on the George Washington Parkway. This marina offers a nice ramp for a small fee of $5 and typically has plenty of parking for trailers. It is important to note that you will need to detach the trailer from your tow vehicle when using this ramp. The Columbia Island Marina is a good option if you are looking for a less crowded location, as it doesn't get too busy until later in the day.

Another option is Fletcher's Cove Boathouse, which is located near Gravelly Point on the Potomac River. This boathouse offers a convenient place to launch your boat and explore the river. In addition, Fletchers Cove provides a variety of rental options, such as canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, for those who don't have their own boats.

For those seeking a more comprehensive boating experience, the Thompson Boat Center could be a great choice. Located on the Potomac River, this boat ramp offers not only a place to launch your boat but also a wide range of boating courses and team-building activities. The Thompson Boat Center is a one-stop shop for all your boating needs, providing everything from sailing lessons to boat repair services.

Lastly, the Washington Sailing Marina is another excellent option for boaters in the area. This full-service marina is located on the Potomac River and offers a variety of amenities, including a boat ramp, dry storage, and wet slips. The Washington Sailing Marina is a great choice for both experienced boaters and those new to the hobby, as it provides sailing lessons and boat rentals in addition to its other services.

Activities at Gravelly Point Park

Gravelly Point Park is a National Park Service site in Arlington, Virginia, located along the George Washington Memorial Parkway. It is a popular spot for boaters, cyclists, and airplane spotters, as it is just a few hundred feet from the north end of Reagan's runway 1/19. Here are some activities you can enjoy at Gravelly Point Park:

Boating and Fishing

The Gravelly Point boat ramp provides access to the Potomac River near DC. The boat ramp is nice, but parking can be challenging for trailers. It is important to note that the park is only accessible by car via the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Plane Spotting

Gravelly Point Park is one of the best spots in the United States for plane spotting. Visitors can watch planes of all sizes take off and land at Reagan International Airport, with some planes flying as low as 100-200 feet above your head. The roar of the engines is a thrilling experience that you have to hear to understand the draw of this place.

Picnicking

The park is a great place for a picnic with family and friends. You can bring your own food or enjoy the food and ice cream trucks available on-site. Spread out a blanket, set up a frisbee game, or simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenic views of the Potomac River and the DC skyline.

Cycling and Walking

The park is accessible by bike and on foot via the Mount Vernon Trail, making it a great spot for cyclists and walkers. You can explore the scenic trails while also enjoying the unique experience of plane spotting.

Special Events

Gravelly Point Park is also a popular spot for special events, such as 4th of July fireworks. While driving to the park on this day is not recommended due to parking issues, the park offers a great view of the fireworks with less crowd than other locations.

Contact information for Gravelly Point Park

Gravelly Point Park is a National Park Service site in Arlington, Virginia. It is located along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, just north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The address is Gravelly Point, Arlington, VA 22202.

The park is accessible by car via the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and by bike and on foot via the Mount Vernon Trail. There is an on-site parking lot and boat ramp.

The phone number for Gravelly Point Park is (703) 289-2500. This number can be used for general enquiries and information about the park.

In case of an emergency, the number to call is 202-610-7500. This is the number for the U.S. Park Police. For non-emergencies, you can also contact the U.S. Park Police by dialling the non-emergency number for the George Washington Memorial Parkway, which Gravelly Point Park is a part of. The non-emergency number is not readily available online but can be found by contacting the park directly or by asking the U.S. Park Police.

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