Park Site

Rock Creek Park

Washington · District of Columbia

Overview

About Rock Creek Park.

Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation's capital. This 1,754 acre city park was officially authorized in 1890, making it the third national park to be designated by the federal government. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, and thousands of years of human history.

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Weather

Weather in D.C. is often erratic Spring: Pleasant, Avg. High: 67° Avg. Low: 44.3°, Avg. Precipitation: 12.1” Summer: Hot & Humid, Avg. High: 87°, Avg. Low: 66°, Avg. Precipitation: 12.7”, July is the hottest month Fall: Pleasant, Avg. High: 69°, Avg. Low: 48.3°, Avg. Precipitation: 11.6” Winter: Mild, Avg. High: 45°, Avg. Low: 27.3°, Avg. Precipitation: 9.3”, Avg. Snowfall: 15.4” January is coolest month Hurricanes may impact D.C. in late summer and fall Light droughts are not uncommon in summer

Key Facts

TypePark Site

DesignationPark

Official Website

Gallery

Photos of Rock Creek Park.

5 images

Things to do

Discover Rock Creek Park.

Orange and green autumn leaves line a paved pathway and road

3-Mile Rolling Meadows Bridge Hike

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.

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A bicyclist in a blue jersey rides a bicycle on a paved roadway. Green leafy trees grow by the road

7-mile Hiking/Biking Loop

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.

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Two bicyclists ride next to each other wearing matching red shirts

Biking in Rock Creek Park

Bicycling is permitted on paved surfaces in Rock Creek Park.

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brightly colored kayaks, canoes and paddle boards are neatly stacked

Boating in Rock Creek Park

Rent kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards from one of two boat houses along the Potomac River.

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Map of section of park with route shown in pink

Boulder Bridge Hike

90-200 Minutes

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

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A wood and concrete bridge crosses a rocky creek with yellow and green trees on the far bank

Bridge Loop Trail

3-6 Hours

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.

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Visitors walk through Meridian Hill Park.

Discover Meridian Hill Park

1-2 Hours

Meridian Hill Park was designed and built between 1912 and 1936, and has been under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service since 1933.

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River, park and city skyline below a cloudy sky

Explore the Georgetown Waterfront

60-160 Minutes

Explore the Georgetown Waterfront and imagine the changes the space has gone through.

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Trees turn colors in Autumn at Rock Creek Park

Explore the Outdoors at Rock Creek Park

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.

Learn more

What visitors say