Last updated: June 4, 2021
Thing to Do
7-mile Hiking/Biking Loop
NPS Photo/ K. Cain
Rock Creek Park is a great place to play on foot or bicycle! Bicycles are not allowed on dirt trails and must remain on paved trails and paved roads. This 7-mile circuit invites park visitors to take advantage of the multi-use trail (for pedestrians or cyclists) and closed sections of roadway.
- Start at Picnic Grove 10 along Beach Drive. If the lot is full, you can start this hike from Picnic Grove 6, 7, 8, or 9.
- Proceed north through the closed gate on foot or on bicycle. (Note: Park roads in yellow on the map are currently closed every day of the week due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but are normally closed weekends and holidays.)
- Turn left onto Wise Road NW. You will be sharing this road with vehicles.
- Take an immediate left onto the paved path into the woods (Rock Creek Multi-use Trail) and proceed south.
- Just before Military Road NW, take a left onto the paved trail. This path is steep! Proceed slowly and use caution, as leaves or wet surfaces can make it difficult to get traction on a bicycle.
- Follow the paved trail to the right and head towards Beach Drive NW.
- Walk or ride down Beach Drive NW enjoying the sound of running water and bird songs.
- Stop at Boulder Bridge and take in the view. To complete this 7-mile circuit, turn around and take Beach Drive back towards the U.S. Park Police Substation. When you get to the gate by the U.S .Park Police Substation, be sure to come to a full stop and cross the roadway with caution.
If you feel like going a little further (.9 miles), you could continue to Tilden Street NW and take a right. Bathrooms are located at Peirce Barn and Picnic Grove 1. You will sharing the road with vehicles after Broad Branch Road NW.
On your way back, consider taking the multi-use paved trail to the left of the road. Otherwise, take the same route back to the U.S. Park Police Substation. When you get to the gate by the U.S .Park Police Substation, be sure to come to a full stop and cross the roadway with caution. - Continue back to the picnic grove where you started your adventure.
Details
Activity
Road Biking
This trail utilizes paved roadways and multi-use trails in the park. Roots may have caused asphalt breaks along the multi-use trail. Proceed with caution and at low rates of speed. The roadways have a fairly consistent grade making for smooth rides and easy ascents and descents. The multi-use path that runs parallel to Military Road NW follows the grade of the Western Ridge Trail and is fairly steep, rendering it the most challenging portion of the trail. Cyclists must abide by all traffic signals when riding on roadways, including stop signs. Where roads are open to vehicular traffic, keep to the right and share the road.
Pets Allowed
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.
For more information on B.A.R.K. Ranger visit the Pets section of the National Park Service website.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Winter bicycling may be cold. It is possible to encounter slippery snow, ice, or wet surfaces as roadways and multi-use trails are not cleared by snow removal crews.
In the spring, new growth will be visible on either side of the trail. Spring rains could make the new asphalt slick. If the roads or paths/paved trails are flooded, do not proceed. Do not ride or walk off off pavement, as it can damage grassy areas and/or plants in the park.
Check for heat and air advisories in the summer. Pack plenty of water and snacks with you on your trip. A water-refilling station is available at Picnic Grove 6. Washington DC summer weather can be filled with storms--and storms can lead to slick surfaces.
While bicycling in the autumn is a beautiful escape from the city, damp leaves freshly fallen from the trees can make it difficult to gain traction on a bicycle. Leaves can also hide sharp rocks or broken glass that can damage tires.
In the spring, new growth will be visible on either side of the trail. Spring rains could make the new asphalt slick. If the roads or paths/paved trails are flooded, do not proceed. Do not ride or walk off off pavement, as it can damage grassy areas and/or plants in the park.
Check for heat and air advisories in the summer. Pack plenty of water and snacks with you on your trip. A water-refilling station is available at Picnic Grove 6. Washington DC summer weather can be filled with storms--and storms can lead to slick surfaces.
While bicycling in the autumn is a beautiful escape from the city, damp leaves freshly fallen from the trees can make it difficult to gain traction on a bicycle. Leaves can also hide sharp rocks or broken glass that can damage tires.
Time of Day
Day
Rock Creek Park is only open from sunrise to sunset. Please plan accordingly. Wear bright, reflective clothing and have a light on if you plan on riding close to sunrise or sunset.
Accessibility Information
Beach Drive is a two-lane road that winds along the Rock Creek Valley floor and parallels the creek. Sections of the road are open to vehicular traffic at times and closed to vehicles at others.
The Rock Creek Park Multi-use Trail is roughly six-feet-wide universally throughout the park. While level in most places, it does have dips and rises following the natural landscape. The most extreme change in elevation is between Oregon Avenue NW and Beach Drive NW where it parallels Military Road NW. We recommend the prescribed route, since it will allow you to go down this steep section rather than climb up it.
The Rock Creek Park Multi-use Trail is roughly six-feet-wide universally throughout the park. While level in most places, it does have dips and rises following the natural landscape. The most extreme change in elevation is between Oregon Avenue NW and Beach Drive NW where it parallels Military Road NW. We recommend the prescribed route, since it will allow you to go down this steep section rather than climb up it.