For the horseback rider, 13 miles of dirt and gravel bridle paths crisscross the park.
Bicycling is permitted on paved surfaces in Rock Creek Park.
Embrace the outdoors, explore interactive exhbits and stand where history happened by taking the Red Line to visit some of DC's National Park Sites. Each of the parks listed here are 1 mile or less from each metro stop (about a 20 minute walk) or a 10 minute bus ride away.
1-2 Days
Rent kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards from one of two boat houses along the Potomac River.
Learn about the night sky in the Rock Creek Park planetarium.
20-45 Minutes
This 1.75-mile loop hike offers a glimpse into Washington, DC’s history—a Civil War fort, poet’s cabin, and historic creek crossing (or ford).
This 2-mile loop hike takes you through the forest and then parallels scenic Rock Creek before heading back uphill.
Park your car and stretch your legs! Visit four different National Parks in Washington, DC and begin logging miles on seven different National Historic or National Scenic trails!
Hike the 3.5-mile Boulder Bridge Loop from the Rock Creek Park Nature Center to one of the most iconic places in Rock Creek Park
90-200 Minutes
The Southern Loop provides visitors with an almost 5-mile loop to explore the deciduous forests of the Western Ridge and provides numerous opportunities for varying terrain on the return trip to their vehicles.
120 Minutes
Enjoy an easy 5-mile round trip hike around the northern section of Rock Creek Park.
120 Minutes
The Valley Trail stretches for five miles down the east side of Rock Creek Park from Boundary Bridge to a spot near Peirce Mill and Picnic Grove #1.
This 8-mile loop hike will take you on an adventure through the northern section of Rock Creek Park. In addition, you will cross over five of the named bridges that cross Rock Creek.
3-6 Hours
Visit one of three golf courses at National Parks in Washington, DC
Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation's capital. This park offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge with majestic trees, wild animals, fresh air, recreational opportunities, and thousands of years of human history.
Meridian Hill Park was designed and built between 1912 and 1936, and has been under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service since 1933.
1-2 Hours
Open play courts are available at Montrose Park, Francis Field off of 23rd St NW, as well as being the home to the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.
This 7-mile trek is fully accessible and utilizes closed roads and multi-use trails in the park. Steep descents and sharp turns can make this a challenging and fun ride for everyone.
Enjoy a 1.5-mile hike through the northern floodplain of Rock Creek Park and look for spring ephemerals.
45-120 Minutes
This trail allows visitors to make the choice between the more rugged Valley Trail and the multi-use paved trail. Park visitors can enjoy creek views and a gentle walk through the forest.
The Western Ridge Trail has green trail markings and runs the length of the park north to south.
Explore the Georgetown Waterfront and imagine the changes the space has gone through.
60-160 Minutes
Follow in the steps of President Roosevelt and French Diplomat Jean Jules Jusserand on this rigorous five mile hike. See the first memorial dedicated to a foreign diplomat erected on federal property.
Take a step back in time and imagine the sights and sounds of the Civil War at a Civil War Defense of Washington. Fort Stevens, now partially restored, was built to defend the approaches to Washington from the 7th Street Pike (now Georgia Avenue) which was then the main thoroughfare from the north into Washington.
30-90 Minutes
Georgetown Waterfront Park stretches along the banks of the Potomac River
1-3 Hours