3-Mile Rolling Meadows Bridge Hike
Rock Creek Park
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.
Start at Picnic Grove #6. Not only is there a large parking area, but there are bathrooms and a water fountain available. If lot #6 is full, stop in the pull out next to the bathroom if you need a pit stop before your hike, and proceed to Picnic Grove #7. Go north on Beach Drive and follow the paved path that runs parallel to the road. Cross over Bingham Drive and take the small dirt trail up through the trees. Stay on this trail until it comes to a T-intersection and go right. When the trail splits again, you can follow the Pinehurst Trail (blazed in Gold) to the left. Follow the Pinehurst Trail until it crosses the Rock Creek Trail. Follow this paved path back to Bingham Drive and then walk the paved multi-use trail to return to Beach Drive and return to your vehicle. Looking for more of a challenge? Use the Valley Trail instead of the paved path along Beach Drive. Cross the creek at Rolling Meadows Bridge and use caution crossing Beach Drive to access the Pinehurst Trail on the other side.
Tags
HikingForests and WoodlandsDeciduous ForestsGroundwaterNatural SoundsTrailsBridgeshikeHike and Bikeaccessibilityaccessible trailforestcreekRock Creek Park
Visitor Photos
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Details
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility
Ample parking is available at the picnic groves along Beach Drive. The paved multi-use trail is smooth and is about six feet in width. The multi-use trail is accessible to Bingham Drive. The bridle trail to the Pinehurst Branch is not accessible, though the trail is roughly seven feet wide, it is dirt and has occasionally roots and steps. The grade changes to bring visitors up and over the hill to the Pinehurst Branch. The Pinehurst Branch trail is a narrow pedestrian only trail that is three feet across in places. The trail dips and climbs with the elevation and traverse of the creek. It has rocks and branches that will cross it. The Rock Creek Trail is a paved multi-use trail that parallels Oregon Avenue along the western boundary of the park. For accessibility purposes, visitors might want to utilize the Bingham Drive spur of the multi-use trail and access the Rock Creek Trail until it joins the Pinehurst Branch and then double back.
Pets
Yes — Pets are allowed on trails within Rock Creek Park but must adhere to the B.A.R.K. Ranger Principles. Dogs must always be on a leash within the park. Waste must be carried out and disposed of in trash receptacles. For more information on B.A.R.K. Ranger visit the Pets section of the National Park Service website.
Reservations
No
Location
Beach Drive North