Overthrust Fault – Washington, D.C. - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

Overthrust Fault

Washington, D.C.

A surprising, but overlooked example of geology in the middle of the nation’s capital. 

View all photos
A plaque explaining the fault. bryanwoerner (Atlas Obscura User)
A US Geological Survey photo taken 1925 showing the fault more clearly. US Geological Survey/Public Domain
127
307
Top Places in Washington, D.C.
Baroque Room
The Mansion on O Street
Washington, D.C.
The Highest Court In the Land
Washington, D.C.
The Exorcist Stairs
Washington, D.C.
 See All
This entry is a stub
Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding Overthrust Fault with additional information or photos.

Located near the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., is a fenced-in area that looks like nothing more than a giant pile of dirt and rocks. However, it’s much more than that, it’s actually an amazing example of an overthrust fault. This type of fault occurs when the upper side of the fault is pushed up through constant compression. There are actually several various examples of overthrust faults found around the nation’s capital.

The layers of rock represent the Piedmont region and the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Geologists were surprised to discover these faults as it was believed that the region wasn’t a geological hotspot. Geologist N.H. Darton first discovered the overthrust during the 1920s and had the fault enclosed and protected from the elements. However, erosion still weathered down the fault making it difficult to view today.

Know Before You Go

The fault is easily accessible, not far from the Columbia Heights Metro or the Harvard St entrance to the National Zoo, at the intersection of Adams Mill Rd NW and Clydesdale Place NW.

Atlas Obscura Experiences

White House Tales of Scandal & Intrigue

Washington, D.C.
$25 per person
zoos geological oddities geology animals
Nearby
Holt House
0.13 miles
Site of the Knickerbocker Disaster
0.23 miles
D.C.’s Floating Chandeliers
0.31 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Holt House in November, 2008.
Washington, D.C.

Holt House

There's a crumbling old mansion inside the Smithsonian National Zoo.
View into the theater after the disaster.
Washington, D.C.

Site of the Knickerbocker Disaster

You could be standing at the site of one of D.C.'s most fatal tragedies and not even know it.
Washington, D.C.

D.C.’s Floating Chandeliers

Mysterious installations bring levity and light to a sometimes stodgy city.
The Marilyn Monroe mural as seen from across the intersection.
Washington, D.C.

Marilyn Monroe Mural

A tribute to the pop culture icon overlooks this Washington D.C. intersection.
Related Places
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Keahole Point Blowhole

This unusual lava tube spouts seawater during high surf.
Woods Bay State Park
Olanta, South Carolina

Woods Bay State Park

This natural wonderland is a unique chance to explore a Carolina bay, a mysterious geological formation of unknown origin.
Komodo, Indonesia

Padar Island

Once home to Komodo dragons, this island dreamscape has a rare combination of white, pink, and black sand beaches.
Balls Pyramid
Australia

Ball's Pyramid

This dramatic sea spire is home to the world's rarest insect and is part of the lost continent of Zealandia.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web