Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts is home to a dynamic creek called Wolftrap Run that flows through much of the wooded area of the park. This stream serves as a habitat for different species of fish, turtles, water snakes, and other amphibious creatures. It also acts as a serene, peaceful backdrop to large stretches of the Wolf Trap Trail. Heavy rain and runoff from the surrounding area maintains, and at times, increases the volume of the stream.
Believe it or not, Wolftrap Run is actually connected to the Atlantic Ocean! Old Courthouse Branch Creek converges with Wolftrap Run inside of the park, which then flow together into Difficult Run. Difficult Run flows into the Potomac River, connecting us to the Potomac Watershed. Once in the Potomac, water is pushed into the Chesapeake Bay, which flows directly into the Atlantic Ocean.
Significant erosion of the stream bank within the park has occurred in several areas as a result of increased runoff and intermittent flooding. Erosion monitoring and control is an ongoing project within the park.