Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Rock Creek Park adventure.
America's premier urban national park is a wilderness and recreational wonderland in the Northwest quadrant of Washington, D.C.
The 1,754-acre playground for humans and habitat for wildlife boasts over 32 miles of trails. You'll also find meadows and streams in the forested landscape that's just made for a leisurely picnic lunch.
The park's flat asphalt trails accommodate runners, cyclists, strollers, and rollerbladers. A thick cover of hardwood trees provides shade and a refreshing escape from the hectic city. There are two primary trails that run north-south in the park: The Western Ridge Trail and the Valley Trail. Multiple connector trails running mostly east-west join them. This makes it super easy to create your own 1- to 10-mile loops. Check out the Highlighted Hikes brochure for some moderate routes that take you through the forest and along the creek, passing by a Civil War fort and a 1880s poet's cabin.
You can pretty much practice the sport of your passion in Rock Creek Park. The Tennis Center has 15 hard courts and 10 clay courts. The park's two boating centers offer all sorts of rental equipment including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. There's an 18-hole golf course complete with putting greens and pro shop. The Horse Center offers riding lessons, trail rides, and pony rides. Equestrians enjoy 13 miles of dirt and gravel bridle paths that crisscross the park.
The Old Stone House, two bookstores, a Planetarium, and the 4,200-seat Carter Barron Amphitheatre are just a few of the other attractions here. Ranger-led wildlife tours and other programs start or take place at the Nature Center, which also serves as the visitor center. Stop there first for trail maps. They'll fill you in on the numerous free or inexpensive adventures available to you at Rock Creek Park.