MAP IT
Hike, run, picnic and more in the District's urban oasis.
Rock Creek Park’s robust network of trails are mostly flat and allow bikers, runners, rollerbladers and hikers to travel for a great distance before encountering another road or car. On weekends, parts of Rock Creek Park are closed to vehicles, making it a healthy place to exercise and escape from the urban environment. For the most adventurous park-goers, more isolated dirt paths wind throughout the park as well.
Rock Creek Park borders the property designated for the Smithsonian National Zoo. There are two entrances to the wildly popular zoo. Entry is free although there is a parking charge. The main entrance is on Connecticut Avenue, NW and the other is accessed from inside the park on the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway.
Peirce Mill is the only 19th-century gristmill operated by the National Park Service. A Quaker farmer built the stone structure in 1829 to process grain and later, during the Civil War, it was transformed into a sawmill and orchard. In 1918, Peirce Mill became a Tea House; today it serves as a historic landmark. Consult the NPS events calendar to see when it is open to the public.
Pick up maps and see exhibits on native plants at the Nature Center, where there's even a family-friendly half-mile trail. The Children’s Discovery Room hosts educational games and activities and houses live fish, snakes, turtles and a beehive. Another fun way for kids to remember their visit – and motivate them to explore more of the area – is by collecting stamps for their “passport.”
The Rock Creek Park Planetarium uses special software to project an image of the night sky onto a dome-shaped ceiling. Park Rangers discuss astronomy, the solar system, the galaxy and beyond during the free program. Tickets are available at the Nature Center next door. Kids must be five years or older to participate.
Gain some insight into the park's nature and history with an NPS event or activity, including walks with National Park Rangers. Environmental advocates can join in clean-up efforts to rid the park of invasive species, led by the Rock Creek Conservancy.
Visitors can also take a guided hike with DC Design Tours, which reveals some of the park's coolest landmarks from the picture-perfect Boulder Bridge to the ruins of a hidden mansion. The route covers four miles, starting at the Woodley Park Metro, winding through the park and ending at the Cleveland Park station.
Head to one of the many picnic sites within Rock Creek Park. Some sites have barbeques, picnic tables or are covered by a pavilion. If you can’t find an official picnic site, no matter, just take a blanket and find a scenic place to watch the creek roll by.
Stand where President Abraham Lincoln did when he was touring Fort Stevens during the Civil War. While he met with the Union troops, Fort Stevens came under enemy fire. Today, there’s a granite boulder marking the event.
Rock Creek Park is home to the Rock Creek Tennis Center, located at 16th and Kennedy streets. The courts are open year-round and the fee to play ranges from $12 - $20 per hour. Or if you prefer golf, play 18 holes at the Rock Creek Golf Course. The challenging public course has elevation changes, dense woods and narrow fairways, making it fun for both beginners and experienced players.
Once you're done roaming Rock Creek, check out these free outdoor activities in Washington, DC.
