Last updated: March 16, 2022
Thing to Do
Hike the Northern Loop in Rock Creek Park
NPS/ K. Cain
Explore the northern section of Rock Creek Park on this roughly five-mile loop. The loop will take park visitors along the Valley Trail, Black Horse Trail, Western Ridge Trail, Rock Creek Park Trail and connects to portions of the Potomac Heritage Trail.
Begin your hike at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium. Follow the paved multi-use trail down the hill towards Military Road NW. Cross Military Road NW and continue on the paved trail until you see the large sign for Fort DeRussy. Turn right and continue on the trail. You can either take the paved bike trail (Bike Trail #3) down towards the creek or follow the dirt path past Fort DeRussy (this is the Fort DeRussy Trail/White Horse Trail/Potomac Heritage NST).
Turn left and follow the Black Horse Trail along the creek (headed upstream). You will soon arrive at Milkhouse Ford.
*Do not ford the creek. Swimming, wading and bathing in the creek is not safe.
Follow the old road up towards Beach Drive NW and cross the bridge using the sidewalk. The Black Horse Trail will pick up on the other side of Beach Drive NW.
The Black Horse Trail will join with the Valley Trail and continue up stream. Enjoy the sounds of flowing water along this broad section of bridle trail.
At Rolling Meadow Bridge, the Valley Trail becomes a foot traffic only trail. This means it becomes slightly more challenging and narrower. The Valley Trail remains suitable for foot traffic only between Rolling Meadow Bridge and Riley Spring Bridge. The Valley Trail re-joins the Black Horse Trail at this point.
Continue on the Valley Trail all the way to Boundary Bridge. In the spring time, this northern flood plain near the bridge is a great place to see the spring ephemeral wild flowers like Virginia blue bell, may apple, and jack-in-the-pulpit.
Cross Boundary Bridge and follow the green blazes for the Western Ridge Trail. The trail will double as the White Horse Trail. You will cross Wise Road NW, Bingham Drive and Horse Stable Road.
If you would prefer and easier trail, you might choose to follow the Western Ridge Trail/White Horse Trail until you reach Wise Road NW and turn right onto Wise Road NW.
*Use caution. Wise Road NW is open to vehicular traffic.
Turn left onto Oregon Avenue NW and get onto the Rock Creek Trail. This trail is paved and runs parallel to Oregon Avenue NW to the intersection at Military Road NW.
Return to your vehicle at the Nature Center
Begin your hike at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium. Follow the paved multi-use trail down the hill towards Military Road NW. Cross Military Road NW and continue on the paved trail until you see the large sign for Fort DeRussy. Turn right and continue on the trail. You can either take the paved bike trail (Bike Trail #3) down towards the creek or follow the dirt path past Fort DeRussy (this is the Fort DeRussy Trail/White Horse Trail/Potomac Heritage NST).
Turn left and follow the Black Horse Trail along the creek (headed upstream). You will soon arrive at Milkhouse Ford.
*Do not ford the creek. Swimming, wading and bathing in the creek is not safe.
Follow the old road up towards Beach Drive NW and cross the bridge using the sidewalk. The Black Horse Trail will pick up on the other side of Beach Drive NW.
The Black Horse Trail will join with the Valley Trail and continue up stream. Enjoy the sounds of flowing water along this broad section of bridle trail.
At Rolling Meadow Bridge, the Valley Trail becomes a foot traffic only trail. This means it becomes slightly more challenging and narrower. The Valley Trail remains suitable for foot traffic only between Rolling Meadow Bridge and Riley Spring Bridge. The Valley Trail re-joins the Black Horse Trail at this point.
Continue on the Valley Trail all the way to Boundary Bridge. In the spring time, this northern flood plain near the bridge is a great place to see the spring ephemeral wild flowers like Virginia blue bell, may apple, and jack-in-the-pulpit.
Cross Boundary Bridge and follow the green blazes for the Western Ridge Trail. The trail will double as the White Horse Trail. You will cross Wise Road NW, Bingham Drive and Horse Stable Road.
If you would prefer and easier trail, you might choose to follow the Western Ridge Trail/White Horse Trail until you reach Wise Road NW and turn right onto Wise Road NW.
*Use caution. Wise Road NW is open to vehicular traffic.
Turn left onto Oregon Avenue NW and get onto the Rock Creek Trail. This trail is paved and runs parallel to Oregon Avenue NW to the intersection at Military Road NW.
Return to your vehicle at the Nature Center
Details
Duration
120 Minutes
Activity
Hiking
This 5-mile hike takes visitors through the northern section of Rock Creek Park on the Western Ridge Trail, Valley Trail and other multi-use trails. It is an easy hike with relatively little change in terrain.
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 web site.
For more information on B.A.R.K. Ranger visit the Pets section of the National Park Service web site.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Access to trails
The paved multi-use trail will lead visitors to Military Road NW where they can join the trails that create the Northern Park loop.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
This trail will go through many changes throughout the year. In winter, sparse ground cover will allow for greater views through the woods and of the creek. In spring, new growth and wild flowers will be visible. In summer, the dense green brush will help dampen city noises and envelope visitors in a completely different world. In autumn, visitors will find themselves surrounded in a riot of colors provided by the changing leaves of oak, chestnut and beech trees.
Time of Day
Day
Rock Creek Park is open from Sunrise to Sunset. Activities in the park are limited to these hours.
Accessibility Information
Ample parking is available at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center. The paved multi-use trail is smooth and is about six feet in width. Sections of this hike are fully accessible as they utilize the paved bike trails or multi-use trails.
The bridle trails (White Horse Trail and Black Horse Trail) are not fully accessible, though the trail is roughly seven feet wide, it is dirt and has occasional roots and steps.
Sections of the valley trail are narrow, rocky or otherwise could be challenging. The trail follows the natural contour of the land as it follows the creek.
The bridle trails (White Horse Trail and Black Horse Trail) are not fully accessible, though the trail is roughly seven feet wide, it is dirt and has occasional roots and steps.
Sections of the valley trail are narrow, rocky or otherwise could be challenging. The trail follows the natural contour of the land as it follows the creek.