How to Explore Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C.
Though not designated a National Park, Rock Creek Park in Washington D.C. is managed by the National Park Service. Rock Creek is Washington’s equivalent to New York’s Central or San Diego’s Balboa Park. The park follows the creek as it flows from Maryland to its confluence with the Potomac. Boating, bicycling, jogging, and horseback riding are many of the recreational activities Washingtonians participate in while enjoying Rock Creek.
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Instructions
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Locate Rock Creek Park on the map of Washington D.C. The recommended access point is just north of Kennedy Center and the Watergate Complex. These two landmarks are north of I-66, and require exiting immediately after crossing the Potomac. Follow the directional signs to the Rock Creek Parkway, which is the thoroughfare that bisects the park.
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Identify Rock Creek Parkway, but notice Thompson Boat Center through the traffic light on Virginia Avenue. Stop at Thompson first and notice the variety of rental options available. Take an hour and sail or kayak the Potomac. Rent a bicycle for a few hours and bike up the parkway. Thompson Boat Center is a Washington D.C. institution.
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Return to the parkway and travel north. The park is narrow here. The city above this ravine is connected by beautifully arched bridges which one travels beneath. The enclave of Georgetown borders the park. For a mile or so, the road follows the creek and a trail filled with joggers and bicyclists.
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Continue on the Parkway past the Connecticut Avenue Bridge where it becomes Beach Drive. Go through a tunnel and take the first left, which accesses the National Zoo -- an extension of the park. The zoo can be toured within a couple of hours, but if time is of the essence, at least stop and view the world famous pandas. The zoo is free, but there is a charge for parking.
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Return to Beach Drive, go north, and stop at Pierce Mill and Barn. One of several preserved grain mills along the creek, the structures represent early 19th century life that was far removed from a more political and social life existing downstream in the nation's capital.
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Leave Beach Drive at Broad Branch Road and access Glover Road (a left and then a right), which follows the western ridge. Stop at the stables and rent a horse for an hour or an afternoon. Note that horse riding is only permitted on designated trails, and that some expertise is required.
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Stop at the Nature Center and Planetarium. The center displays a variety of plant and animal life. Some of the larger animals are stuffed and placed in a diorama.
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Ask for directions, and hike the short trail to Fort DeRussy. The Civil War fort, now only earthen mounds, was designed to protect the capital from marauders using Rock Creek for a stealth attack.
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Return to the Nature Center and Glover Road. Continue north to Military Road. Turn right, cross the creek, and once again, access Beach Drive north. Stop at Miller Cabin -- a small cabin along the creek and sitting at the end of a clearing. This is an idyllic location to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch.
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Continue on Beach Drive to the Rock Creek Park and Maryland border. There, Boundary Bridge and a parking lot will have directional signs to two trailheads: Western Ridge and Valley. Both are aptly named, are easy-to-moderate treks, and both end at Pierce Mill.
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Tips & Warnings
Rock Creek Park is part of the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, and, therefore, plenty of lodging and dining options are available.
Resources
- Photo Credit James Barnett
