An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
Official websites use .gov A
.gov website belongs to an official government
organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A
lock (
) or https:// means you've safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
Bring and use a map or guide. Don't rely on trail signs, as there are not many in the park.
Stay hydrated—bring and drink water.
Stay on the trail to avoid poison ivy, snakes, and ticks.
Keep your dog leashed at all times to protect both your pet and park wildlife. Many hikers and park users are afraid of dogs; please be respectful of them.
Dress appropriately. Wear sturdy shoes, dress in layers and anticipate cold and wet weather.
A Rock Creek Park ranger starts a hike at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center.
NPS/ K. Cain
Create your own hike!
There are two primary trails that run north-south in Rock Creek Park. They are the Western Ridge Trail (green on the park map) and the Valley Trail (orange on the park map). Think of them as the sides of a ladder.
There are many connector trails running mostly east-west joining the Western Ridge Trail with the Valley Trail. Think of these connectors as the rungs of a ladder. Using this principle, it is possible to create an almost infinite number of loops in varrying lengths from about 1-mile to 10-miles. Below is a link to the full park map.
Learn more about the things that aren't free, like the items in our bookstores, golf, and horseback riding.
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Park footer
Contact Info
Mailing Address:
5200 Glover Rd, NW
Washington,
DC
20015
Phone:
202-895-6000
Rock Creek Park's main phone line.
On the weekends when the administrative offices are closed, call 202-895-6070 to reach the Nature Center.
