Park

27 Activities

Rock Creek Park

Plan Your Visit NPS.gov

Water swirls around large boulders in a creek. Trees in autumn colors line the bank

a one story building nestled among green leafy trees

Dark boulders scattered through a narrow creek. Green trees rise up on either bank.

Park Alerts (5)

Areas of Meridian Hill Park closed for repairs: Much of the upper level of the park is closed to rehabilitate the grass. Fountains and the reflecting pool are open but may be turned off or drained occasionally while adjustments to the water levels ...

Closure of Piney Branch Parkway: From May 12 to June 8, Piney Branch Parkway will be closed for DC Water's work on the Piney Branch Tunnel Project.

Nature Center and Planetarium Closure: The Nature Center and Planetarium building is closed until further notice due to continued remediation. Check the park's calendar for changes to ranger programs and locations.

About Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation's capital. This 1,754 acre city park was officially authorized in 1890, making it the third national park to be designated by the federal government. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, and thousands of years of human history.

Things To Do

Showing 6 of 20

Horseback Riding in Rock Creek Park

For the horseback rider, 13 miles of dirt and gravel bridle paths crisscross the park.

Multi-Park Loop

Park your car and stretch your legs! Visit four different National Parks in Washington, DC and begin logging miles on seven different National Historic or National Scenic trails!

60-160 Minutes

Explore the Georgetown Waterfront

Explore the Georgetown Waterfront and imagine the changes the space has gone through.

Biking in Rock Creek Park

Bicycling is permitted on paved surfaces in Rock Creek Park.

1-2 Days

Red Line - DC Metro

Embrace the outdoors, explore interactive exhbits and stand where history happened by taking the Red Line to visit some of DC's National Park Sites. Each of the parks listed here are 1 mile or less from each metro stop (about a 20 minute walk) or a 10 minute bus ride away.

Boating in Rock Creek Park

Rent kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards from one of two boat houses along the Potomac River.

Available Activities

Arts and Culture

Live Music

Auto and ATV

Scenic Driving

Astronomy

Planetarium

Biking

Fishing

Food

Picnicking

Golf

Guided Tours

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

Hiking

Horse Trekking

Horseback Riding

Paddling

Canoeing

Kayaking

Junior Ranger Program

Playground

Wildlife Watching

Birdwatching

Park Film

Museum Exhibits

Shopping

Bookstore and Park Store

Weather

Weather in D.C. is often erratic.

Spring: Pleasant, Avg. High: 67° Avg. Low: 44.

3°, Avg. Precipitation: 12.1” Summer: Hot & Humid, Avg.

High: 87°, Avg. Low: 66°, Avg. Precipitation: 12.

7”, July is the hottest month Fall: Pleasant, Avg. High: 69°, Avg. Low: 48.

3°, Avg. Precipitation: 11.6” Winter: Mild, Avg.

High: 45°, Avg. Low: 27.3°, Avg.

Precipitation: 9.3”, Avg. Snowfall: 15.

4” January is coolest month. Hurricanes may impact D.C.

in late summer and fall. Light droughts are not uncommon in summer.

Getting There

Ample parking for hiking, biking and visiting the Nature Center is located at 5200 Glover Road NW. Rock Creek Park is a large urban park stretching from the Maryland - DC border to the Potomac River. Rock Creek Park also administers 99 separate neighborhood small sites.

A large network of public roads provide access to all points administered by Rock Creek Park.

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