Bridge Loop Trail
Rock Creek Park
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.
Picnic Grove #10 on Beach Drive NW is a great place to start this 8-mile loop hike. Picnic Grove #10 has access to bathrooms and an ample parking area! As you exit the parking lot, turn right and walk along Beach Drive NW. On Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays Beach Drive is closed to vehicular traffic and the gates will be closed. Pedestrians may pass through the gates if they are closed unless otherwise posted. Walk along the roadway for .2 miles until you arrive at Riley Spring Bridge. Cross the bridge and turn left onto the Valley Trail. Stay on the Valley Trail as it meanders along Rock Creek by following blue blazes (or paint markings) on the trees and sign posts for 1.5 miles. The Valley Trail brings you to Boundary Bridge which spans the creek at the District of Columbia and Maryland border. Use caution walking through the parking area at Boundary Bridge as it can be very crowded. Cross Beach Drive and take the Western Ridge Trail south for about two miles towards the Rock Creek Park Nature Center. The Rock Creek Park Nature Center is a great place to stop for a brief rest. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bathrooms and a water bottle filling station are available. ***Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Rock Creek Park Nature Center is closed to the public at this time.*** Follow the signs for the Western Ridge Trail and continue south. You will cross Glover Road NW and Ridge Road NW as you head towards Picnic Grove #13 and the trailhead. Continue on this trail past equitation field and take Cross Trail #9 to the left after you pass equitation field. You will cross Ridge Road--use caution as this road is open to motor vehicles. Cross Trail #9 will terminate at Beach Drive. Turn Left onto the roadway and cross Boulder Bridge. Immediately after crossing Boulder Bridge, look to the right and get onto the Valley Trail. This narrow and rugged trail will take you up and over one of the many hills in the park. Stay on the Valley Trail for about one half mile before turning left towards Beach Drive. Turn right and cross Beach Drive. Rapids Bridge will be just ahead of you on the left. Rapids Bridge crosses Rock Creek and terminates on the Black Horse Trail. Turn right on the Black Horse Trail and take it until you arrive at Joyce Road NW. Turn right and head towards Beach Drive. Pick up the Valley Trail on the far side of Beach Drive and turn left to head north. Stay on the Valley Trail for almost a mile. You will come to Rolling Meadow Bridge. Cross the bridge and turn right onto Beach Drive. Follow Beach Drive to return to your vehicle at Picnic Grove #10.
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Details
3-6 Hours
Though there aren't significant changes in the elevation along this route, it can be considered challenging for some visitors. Frequent breaks or rest stops may extend the length of time a visitor might spend on this trail.
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Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
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The Bridge Loop Hike can be adjusted to be accessible, though it will change the mileage traveled. Several lengths of the trail use closed sections of Beach Drive. If the Valley Trail is too rugged or narrow (Valley Trail widths average only 3 ft), an alternative is to remain on Beach Drive instead. Most of the Western Ridge Trail is either a broad bridle trail or runs close to the paved Rock Creek Hiker Biker Trail. The steep descent at Cross Trail #9 is the most challenging portion of the route. A less hazardous descent can be found by following the Western Ridge Trail to Beach Drive and then following Beach Drive north to Boulder Bridge. The foot bridges spanning the creek are generally wider than six feet and are covered with a paved roadway or concrete pathways. Beach Drive is closed to motor vehicle traffic on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
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 web site.
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Picnic Grove #10
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