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Rock Creek Park Loop: Western Ridge to Valley Trails

 12 votes
  1. Areas
  2. DC
  3. Rock Creek Park
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Length

8.8 Miles 14.2 Kilometers

99%

Runnable

Elevation

484' 147 m

Ascent

-485' -148 m

Descent

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

305' 93 m

High

73' 22 m

Low

Conditions

Unknown
History
Getting forecast...

“A beautiful loop through Rock Creek Park, a D.C. Metro Area oasis.”

— Doug Hay
GPX File — Driving Directions

Overview

A complete natural escape from the busy streets of Washington, DC. The rugged and rocky terrain of the Valley Trail - South, and the smooth horse trail of the Western Ridge Trail, make for a solid run in the middle of the nation's capitol.
Features: Birding — Fall Colors — River/Creek — Views — Waterfall — Wildflowers — Wildlife
Dogs: Leashed

Need to Know

There are lots of unmarked trails that take you out of the park, so be sure to follow the blazes.

Description

From the parking area, head straight up the steep hill and into the woods on Western Ridge Trail. Western Ridge Trail is a mostly smooth trail traversing the entire western side of Rock Creek Park. Eventually, you'll cross over Military Road.

Continue on the bike path for roughly .25 miles before jumping back on the dirt up to the Maryland border.

At the border, cross the road/creek to pick up the Valley Trail - North and eventually Valley Trail - South all the way back to the parking area. These wonderful trails run along Rock Creek up to the Maryland border for about 5.6 Miles, but don't be fooled by the word "valley" in their names. The trails have plenty of elevation change as they twist and turn alongside the river.

Contrary to the Western Ridge Trail, the Valley Trail's path is a bit more rugged. Watch your footing through rocks, roots and narrow passages. While you'll find fewer runners along the Valley Trail, this is probably the most popular trail in the park and a great place to see wildlife like deer and black snakes.

This is the best that Rock Creek Park has to offer!

Contacts

Land Manager: National Park Service, Rock Creek Park

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Check-Ins

Apr 11, 2017
Dani D
Did this loop clockwise starting with Valley Trail and cut over to WRT on the paved Rock Creek Trail (Bingham Dr) to shorten the loop to 4 miles. 4mi
Aug 6, 2016
Trey Lord

Stewarded By

Supported by Rock Creek Runner
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 12 votes

#1

in Rock Creek Park

#1532

Overall
  4.1 from 12 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
58%
3 Star
17%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#1

in Rock Creek Park

#1

in Washington, DC

#1,532

Overall
208 Views Last Month
4,749 Since Jan 9, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate
0%
27%
73%
0%
0%
0%
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Photos

View of Rock Creek from the Valley Trail
View of Rock Creek from the Valley Trail
 3
Western Ridge Trail
Western Ridge Trail
 3
Pine Trail.
Pine Trail.
 3
Ash leaves.
Ash leaves.
 3
Boulder Bridge over Rock Creek.
Boulder Bridge over Rock Creek.
 3
Yellow Trout Lily.
Yellow Trout Lily.
 2
Carolina wren.
Carolina wren.
 2
Hen of the Woods.
Hen of the Woods.
 3

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