Place

Trailhead: Whittier Trail

a trailhead sign at the edge of the forest
Trailhead sign at Whittier Trail

NPS / Kyle Yarusso

Quick Facts
Location:
16th Street NW
Significance:
Trailhead
Whittier Trail runs for about 0.23 miles connecting 16th Street to the Valley Trail.

This neighborhood connector trail is a foot path. It is a very steep trail, from a 10% to 33% slope with numerous timber steps.

First identified on the 1892 U.S.C.G.S. map, it was originally an old farm road that connected several farms from the east to Rock Creek. It was converted to a bridle trail between 1897 and 1906 and then closed between 1922 and 1932. It reopened as a foot trail in 1960-61. 

Rock Creek Park

Last updated: January 26, 2026