Rock Creek Park
Overview
Rock Creek Park provides visitors with convenient access to the great outdoors. A relief from the surrounding urban landscape of the nation's capital, the park features old deciduous trees, a variety of birds and small mammals, and the flowing Rock Creek.
To learn more about Rock Creek Park, visit www.nps.gov.
Local Info
Opening and closing dates and hours vary for visitor centers at Rock Creek Park. Check the park's website for current operating hours.
- Nature Center: Open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year Day).
- Planetarium: Wednesdays at 4:00 pm (Young Planetarium), Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 pm (Seasonal Night Sky), Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 pm (Exploring the Universe).
- Old Stone House: Open 11:00 am to 6:00 pm every day (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year Day)
- Pierce Mill and Barn: (April 1 to October 1) Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. (November 1 to March 31) Open Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Visiting Tips
Fees and Passes:
Park entrance and programs are free. For more details on permits and reservations check the park's website.
Camping & Lodging
Food & Drink
Visitors are welcome to picnic in the area but must make reservations online at www.recreation.gov. For more information on park picnic grove reservations, call the Rock Creek Park Permits Office at (202) 895-6013.
Other Activities
Maps & Guidebooks
Gems in Rock Creek Park - 4
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Recommended Routes in Rock Creek Park - 6
Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Add Your Recommended Routes
![View of Rock Creek from the Valley Trail](https://trailrunproject.com/assets/photos/hike/7000482_smallMed_1554159385.jpg?cache=1725102190)
Rock Creek Park Loop: Western Ridge to Valley Trails
8.8 mi 14.2 km • 484' Up 147.49 m Up • 485' Down 147.73 m Down
![Western Ridge Trail](https://trailrunproject.com/assets/photos/hike/7000481_smallMed_1554159382.jpg?cache=1725102190)
Boulder Bridge Loop
3.1 mi 5.0 km • 270' Up 82.22 m Up • 263' Down 80.05 m Down
![Pine Trail.](https://trailrunproject.com/assets/photos/hike/7013120_smallMed_1554822226.jpg?cache=1725102531)
North Rock Creek Park 5K Loop
3.2 mi 5.2 km • 258' Up 78.6 m Up • 245' Down 74.79 m Down
Rock Creek Park Running
- 30 Miles 48 Kilometers of Trail
- 6 Recommended Routes
- 4 Gems
- 25
Easy Trails
- 27
Intermediate Trails
- 5
Difficult Trails
Weather Averages
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Trails in Rock Creek Park - 51
Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Add Your Trails
0.6
mi
0.9
km
#1Reservation 630 Trail
Washington, DC
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Washington, DC |
4
|
||
3.7
mi
6.0
km
#2Western Ridge Trail
Silver Spring, MD
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Silver Spring, MD |
7
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1.6
mi
2.5
km
#3Black Horse Trail (South)
Washington, DC
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Washington, DC |
3
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2.1
mi
3.3
km
#4Valley Trail - South
Washington, DC
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Washington, DC |
3
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1.8
mi
3.0
km
#5Bike Trail #5 - Klingle Road Bridge South
Washington, DC
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Washington, DC |
3
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0.4
mi
0.6
km
#6Piney Branch Foot Trail
Washington, DC
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Washington, DC |
1
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0.6
mi
0.9
km
#7Holly Trail
Washington, DC
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Washington, DC |
1
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0.3
mi
0.5
km
#8Pine Trail
Washington, DC
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Washington, DC |
1
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1.8
mi
2.9
km
#9White Horse Trail
Washington, DC
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Washington, DC |
1
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||
0.5
mi
0.8
km
#10Fort DeRussy Trail
Washington, DC
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Washington, DC |
1
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Photos of Rock Creek Park - 42
Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. Add Your Photos