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Intermediate scenic and quiet wooded trail along a stream valley tributary to Rock Creek.


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Map Key

0.6

Miles

0.9

KM

91%

Runnable

215' 66 m

High

61' 19 m

Low

154' 47 m

Up

1' 0 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Waterfall

Runner Notes

The Hazen Trail features natural uneven terrain, with a few sections where the trail climbs/drops steeply in a stair step fashion, and includes four easy stream crossings on stones and fallen trees.

Description

The NPS Reservation 630 (formerly Melvin C. Hazen) Trail is a hiking trail in within Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway. The trail runs for a total length of about 0.5 mile, with an elevation gain of 573 feet, and follows a stream valley tributary to Rock Creek through natural wooded terrain. In a few sections near Connecticut Avenue the trail climbs/drops steeply in a stair step fashion.

On the eastern section (between Connecticut Ave and Rock Creek Park) the trail goes past several small waterfalls and makes four easy stream crossings on stones and fallen trees. During periods of higher water levels, one of the stream crossings requires careful attention since the stones that would normally aid in crossing may be underwater, but with some careful scrambling one can cross the stream using a large fallen tree adjacent to the stones (10-20 feet downstream). On the eastern end, this trail connects with the Western Ridge Trail and the Track Trail near Peirce Mill.

Contacts

Shared By:

Abraham Padilla with improvements by A S

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 4 votes

#8140

Overall
  4.5 from 4 votes
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Trail Rankings

#8,140

Overall
18 Views Last Month
3,000 Since Nov 24, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Small stream waterfalls along the Melvin C. Hazen Trail, Nov. 2018.
Dec 12, 2018 near Washington, DC
Melvin Hazen Trail between Conn. Ave & Rock Creek Park. Several rock-hopping stream crossings required.
Mar 23, 2019 near Washington, DC
Westen Ridge Northern Entrance (at Pierce Mill) for either Strenuous (lower) or Moderate (upper). Best to take Moderate south and come back Strenuous. Easier to climb Strenuous rockface than crab-walk down.
Mar 23, 2019 near Washington, DC
Melvin Hazen Trailhead - east side 3800 block Connecticut Ave.
Mar 23, 2019 near Washington, DC
Fun and easy stream crossing along the Melvin C. Hazen trail, Nov. 2018.
Dec 12, 2018 near Washington, DC

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