Parks / Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park
Park · DC
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (6)
Status of Cascading Fountain at Meridian Hill Park
We appreciate your patience as we work to remove the sediment from the Meridian Hill Cascading Fountain. The discoloration occurred when two long-unused water lines were brought back online as part of our continuing effort to fine-tune the fountain’s operations. Visitors should begin seeing the fountain’s signature sparkling water again soon.
Areas of Meridian Hill Park closed for turf restoration
The turf at Meridian Hill Park is closed through August 17 while we make the park safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Thank you for your patience.
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 for maintenance. The reflecting pool will undergo repairs June 20-28. Visit the Meridian Hill Park page for more information.
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.
Glover Archbold Trail detour
For visitor safety, the southern end of the Glover Archbold Trail is under an emergency closure until further notice due to aerial hazards. Please follow the posted detour along Foxhall Rd. / 44th St. NW / P St. NW.
Part of Fort Totten Park remains closed for public safety
Out of an abundance of caution, Fort Totten Park will remain closed east of Fort Totten Drive, south of Gallatin Street/Metropolitan Branch Trail and north of Brookland Ave NE/Farragut St. due to the investigation involving two WWI-era munitions found.
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Upcoming Events
Roosevelt at Rock Creek Park
Sep 4, 2026 · Peirce Mill is located at 2401 Tilden Street NW
Butterfly Wonder Puppet Show
Sep 4, 2026 · Peirce Mill is located at 2401 Tilden Street NW
Ranger Tours at the Old Stone House
Sep 4, 2026 · The Old Stone House is located on 3051 M Street NW
Ranger Tours at the Old Stone House
Sep 5, 2026 · The Old Stone House is located on 3051 M Street NW
Ranger Tours at Peirce Mill
Sep 5, 2026 · Peirce Mill is located at 2401 Tilden St NW.
Roosevelt at Rock Creek Park
Sep 5, 2026 · Peirce Mill is located at 2401 Tilden Street NW
Friends of Peirce Mill Open House
Sep 5, 2026 · Peirce Mill is located at 2401 Tilden St NW, Washington, DC
Stitching Stories: A Social Stitch Circle at Peirce Barn
Sep 5, 2026 · Peirce Barn is located adjacent to Peirce Mill at 2401 Tilden St NW
Jack and the Bean Stalk Puppet Show
Sep 5, 2026 · Peirce Mill is located at 2401 Tilden Street NW
Roosevelt at Rock Creek Park
Sep 6, 2026 · Peirce Mill is located at 2401 Tilden Street NW
The Apple Tree Puppet Show
Sep 6, 2026 · Peirce Mill is located at 2401 Tilden Street NW
Paddle Through Nature: The Potomac by Kayak
Sep 6, 2026 · The Key Bridge Boathouse is located at 3500 Water Street NW. Parking is not available at this location, but there are several parking garages, street parking, and the Thompson Boathouse Parking lot a short distance away.
Butterfly Wonder Puppet Show
Sep 11, 2026 · Peirce Mill is located at 2401 Tilden Street NW
Roosevelt at Rock Creek Park
Sep 11, 2026 · Peirce Mill is located at 2401 Tilden Street NW
Friends of Peirce Mill Children's Day
Sep 12, 2026 · Peirce Mill is located at 2401 Tilden Street NW
Friends of Georgetown Waterfront Park Labyrinth Program
Sep 12, 2026 · Georgetown Waterfront labyrinth
Roosevelt at Rock Creek Park
Sep 12, 2026 · Peirce Mill is located at 2401 Tilden Street NW
Running with a Ranger: A History of the Georgetown Waterfront in Motion
Sep 12, 2026 · This program meets by Percy Plaza near the fountain.
The Civil War in Georgetown: A Guided Walk in a City Divided
Sep 12, 2026 · The Old Stone House is located at 3051 M Street, NW
Paddle Through the Past: Georgetown by Kayak
Sep 13, 2026 · The Key Bridge Boathouse is located at 3500 Water Street NW. Parking is not available at this location, but there are several parking garages, street parking, and the Thompson Boathouse Parking lot a short distance away.
Things to Do
3-Mile Rolling Meadows Bridge Hike
This trail allows visitors to make the choice between the more rugged Valley Trail and the multi-use paved trail. Park visitors can enjoy creek views and a gentle walk through the forest.
7-mile Hiking/Biking Loop
This 7-mile trek is fully accessible and utilizes closed roads and multi-use trails in the park. Steep descents and sharp turns can make this a challenging and fun ride for everyone.
Biking in Rock Creek Park
Bicycling is permitted on paved surfaces in Rock Creek Park.
Boulder Bridge Hike
Hike the 3.5-mile Boulder Bridge Loop from the Rock Creek Park Nature Center to one of the most iconic places in Rock Creek Park
Bridge Loop Trail
This 8-mile loop hike will take you on an adventure through the northern section of Rock Creek Park. In addition, you will cross over five of the named bridges that cross Rock Creek.
Discover Meridian Hill Park
Meridian Hill Park was designed and built between 1912 and 1936, and has been under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service since 1933.
Explore the Outdoors at Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation's capital. This park offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge with majestic trees, wild animals, fresh air, recreational opportunities, and thousands of years of human history.
Hike the Southern Loop in Rock Creek Park
The Southern Loop provides visitors with an almost 5-mile loop to explore the deciduous forests of the Western Ridge and provides numerous opportunities for varying terrain on the return trip to their vehicles.
Hike the Valley Trail
The Valley Trail stretches for five miles down the east side of Rock Creek Park from Boundary Bridge to a spot near Peirce Mill and Picnic Grove #1.
Hike the Western Ridge Trail
The Western Ridge Trail has green trail markings and runs the length of the park north to south.
Horseback Riding in Rock Creek Park
For the horseback rider, 13 miles of dirt and gravel bridle paths crisscross the park.
Jusserand Memorial Loop
Follow in the steps of President Roosevelt and French Diplomat Jean Jules Jusserand on this rigorous five mile hike. See the first memorial dedicated to a foreign diplomat erected on federal property.
Milkhouse Ford Hike
This 1.75-mile loop hike offers a glimpse into Washington, DC’s history—a Civil War fort, poet’s cabin, and historic creek crossing (or ford).
Rapids Bridge Hike
This 2-mile loop hike takes you through the forest and then parallels scenic Rock Creek before heading back uphill.
Spring Ephemeral Hike
Enjoy a 1.5-mile hike through the northern floodplain of Rock Creek Park and look for spring ephemerals.
Survey Fort Stevens
Take a step back in time and imagine the sights and sounds of the Civil War at a Civil War Defense of Washington. Fort Stevens, now partially restored, was built to defend the approaches to Washington from the 7th Street Pike (now Georgia Avenue) which was then the main thoroughfare from the north into Washington.
Tennis in Rock Creek Park
Open play courts are available at Montrose Park, Francis Field off of 23rd St NW, as well as being the home to the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.
Visit the Planetarium
Learn about the night sky in the Rock Creek Park planetarium.
Wander Through Georgetown Waterfront Park
Georgetown Waterfront Park stretches along the banks of the Potomac River
Visitor Centers
- Nature Center
- Old Stone House
- Peirce Mill
Source: National Park Service.