Rock Creek Park is a sprawling 1,754-acre urban wilderness featuring scenic trails, a nature center, tennis courts, and even the National Zoo, all topped off with a unique planetarium.
"Sprawling out across a whopping and wild 1,754 acres of public land, Rock Creek Park is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in DC Officially authorized in 1890, it was the third national park to be designated by the federal government. It has something for everyone: a Nature Center for explorers; running, biking, and hiking trails for fitness enthusiasts; equestrian, golf, and tennis centers for sports lovers; and picnic spots, historic forts, a 19th-century gristmill, and concert venues for everyone else. While the verdant grounds are a peaceful escape from urban life, it also offers a planetarium—the only planetarium in the National Park Service, in fact—and the Smithsonian National Zoo. Both are free." - Adele Chapin
"Rock Creek Park is the main stretch of woodland that runs through the city's northwest corridor. If you want to escape the mob of tourists on the Mall, or you just want to spend time in an urban oasis, head to Rock Creek Park. Any section between the Kennedy Center and Pierce Mill has features aplenty—running/biking trails that follow the twists and turns of the creek, tennis courts, idyllic scenery, and the occasional distraction like the National Zoo. On weekends, Beach Drive, located just north of Pierce Mill, is closed to vehicular traffic, transforming into an ideal trail for running or biking. To enter the park at Pierce Mill, take the Metro to Van Ness/UDC and head down Tilden Street. It will be about a 15-minute walk to the mill. For those looking for a more strenuous workout, a hike or a run on the Western Ridge Trail might just fit the bill."
"Rock Creek Park is the main stretch of woodland that runs through the city's northwest corridor. If you want to escape the mob of tourists on the Mall, or you just want to spend time in an urban oasis, head to Rock Creek Park. Any section between the Kennedy Center and Pierce Mill has features aplenty—running/biking trails that follow the twists and turns of the creek, tennis courts, idyllic scenery, and the occasional distraction like the National Zoo. On weekends, Beach Drive, located just north of Pierce Mill, is closed to vehicular traffic, transforming into an ideal trail for running or biking. To enter the park at Pierce Mill, take the Metro to Van Ness/UDC and head down Tilden Street. It will be about a 15-minute walk to the mill. For those looking for a more strenuous workout, a hike or a run on the Western Ridge Trail might just fit the bill."
"Let’s start big picture. What’s the vibe here? Rock Creek Park is DC’s answer to Central Park —with a bit of a wild side. The 1,754-acre enclave has 32 trails and paths (many well-trafficked and easy), historic buildings dating back to the 1700s, and natural wonders. It’s a journey into the great outdoors, with all the sights and the smells, and it’s a choose-your-own adventure fit for hiking, biking, running, horseback riding, snapping photos of the scenic setting, and plenty more. Any standout features or must-sees? You could be strolling down M Street in Georgetown and see the Old Stone House. As its name implies, it is the oldest abode on its original foundation in the District. It also has some George Washington lore surrounding it and once operated as a clock shop. Then there’s the 13-basin cascading fountain (the longest in North America) and the statue of Joan of Arc in Meridian Hill Park. But if you really want to take a walk on the wilder side, go for a hike. The 3.5-mile Boulder Bridge hike, is a loop that puts you just on the other edge of the forest—it’s isolated enough that, on a winter morning or early in the day, you’ll be able to experience the scenery in all of its purity, but it’s also well-trekked (by families, joggers) and close enough to Beach Drive that you’ll never feel too far from safety, should you be hiking alone. A tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy when you reach the scenic bridge. (President Theodore Roosevelt is said to have spent time in this area.) You can sit on the banks and savor your snack with the gentle sounds of the creek all around you. Got it. Was it easy to get around? As with all outdoorsy activities, it’s best to learn the details before you go. Luckily, the Rock Creek Park website has maps, points of interest and updates on road or COVID-19 closures, among other guidelines. The app proves to be particularly helpful for pre-planning and navigating on your way. As a person living with Type 1 diabetes, I had to make time for a quick snack and slow my pace at one point, but it was simply accomplished by being aware of my surroundings—natural and otherwise. For further accessibility, the website details best places for handicap parking, paved or unpaved trails, and which places have limited options. That sounds cool. All said and done, what—and who—is this best for? One of the best things about visiting Rock Creek Park is it’s free to enter, giving you loads of opportunities on a limited budget or if you’re short on time. Hikes can range anywhere from one to 10 miles, and there are seemingly endless options, depending on your needs" - Amy McKeever
