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Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway in Washington | Map and Routes

Kid-friendly · Sports Facility · Forest · River

4.7 (2861 ratings)

Discover the natural beauty of Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway in Washington, a picturesque escape for walkers and runners. With 1771.8 acres of greenery, this expansive park offers ...

Discover the natural beauty of Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway in Washington, a picturesque escape for walkers and runners. With 1771.8 acres of greenery, this expansive park offers a variety of trails and routes, suitable for all activity levels. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging run, this park provides an ideal setting to immerse yourself in nature while engaging in physical activity. From the longest 7.5-mile trail to shorter scenic routes, there's something for everyone to explore and enjoy. Embrace the serenity of the park while staying active and rejuvenated in the heart of the city. For more information on park routes and details, download Pacer Pedometer to enhance your park experience. As you venture into Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway, you'll encounter a diverse network of trails, each offering a unique experience for walkers and runners. The park boasts a total of [number] routes, with options ranging from gentle woodland paths to more challenging terrains. Feel the invigorating energy of the park as you embark on your fitness journey, surrounded by lush greenery and the calming sounds of nature. Whether you prefer a brisk walk or an intense run, the park's well-maintained trails cater to a wide range of activity preferences, ensuring an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for all fitness enthusiasts. Experience the beauty and tranquility of Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway as you engage in an active lifestyle. With an array of scenic trails and pathways, the park offers a haven for walkers and runners seeking a refreshing outdoor escape. Immerse yourself in the natural splendor of this urban oasis, where you can elevate your fitness routine amidst the park's stunning landscapes. Embrace the opportunity to connect with nature while achieving your fitness goals in a serene and welcoming environment. For detailed park information, including routes and distances, download Pacer Pedometer and make the most of your park adventures.

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Reviews (56)
Photos (180)

Walking and Running in Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway

When it comes to walking and running in Washington, United States, Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway offer an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The park provides a wide range of amenities, including parking lots, restrooms, wheelchair-friendly facilities, drinking water stations, picnic sites, leisure playgrounds, sports facilities such as ...

When it comes to walking and running in Washington, United States, Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway offer an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The park provides a wide range of amenities, including parking lots, restrooms, wheelchair-friendly facilities, drinking water stations, picnic sites, leisure playgrounds, sports facilities such as bike paths, horse riding trails, soccer and tennis courts, a running track, and a golf course. Additionally, visitors can explore historical and natural landmarks, including the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium, Fort de Russy archaeological site, Family Tree of Hope sculpture, Jules Jusserand Memorial, Pulpit Rock viewpoint, Stone skipping spot, and Serve artwork. With its accessibility and diverse attractions, Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway are excellent choices for individuals seeking a fulfilling walking or running experience in Washington.

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Other Info about Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway

Phone(202) 895-6000
Websitehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Creek_Park
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/RockCreekNPS/
X - Twitterhttps://twitter.com/RockCreekNPS

Essential Amenities in Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway

Playground
Picnic Site
Drinking water
Wheelchair friendly
Restroom
Parking lot

Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway Sport Facilities

Soccer field
Tennis court
Baseball field
Running track
Bike path
Sports center
Stadium
Golf course
Horse riding

Accessibility in Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway

Wheelchair friendly

Things to See in Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway

Attraction

Stone skipping spot

Artwork

Family Tree of Hope Sculpture

Artwork

Serve

Viewpoint

Pulpit Rock

Viewpoint

Rock Creek view

Museum

Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium

Memorial

Jules Jusserand Memorial

Archaeological site

Fort de Russy

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Other Amenities in Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway

Shelter

Bicycle parking

Best Walking Routes in Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway

#1 - Rock Creek Tennis Center
14
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m

Rock Creek Tennis Center is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near Washington, District of Columbia, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2 - Woodland Trail
4
Length: 1.8 milesEst. Time: 31m

Woodland Trail is a 1.8 mile (4,000-step) route located near Washington, District of Columbia, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 259.1 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3 - Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway
4
Length: 1.4 milesEst. Time: 24m

I always love Rock Creek Park because you have so many options. This route is a nice one. It’s easy to park on Holly St., Northwest and get into the trail system. You can go as far or as short as you like and have a nice experience. Just remember that the closer you are to the road, the noisier it is. There might be a water crossing here or there but it’s relatively easy and a beautiful forest setting.

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Reviews of Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway

4.7/5
2861 ratings
Mr FishOct 10, 2025
5

Wonderful place in the heart of DC

PacerPalJul 28, 2019
4

It is a wonderful place lace

EdFeb 29, 2020
4

Good route. Well marked.

See All Reviews (56)
See All Reviews (56)

Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
Angela
224
Ibrahim
188
Laura
180
4PacerPal
168
5Melinda
118
6Alexandre
93
7NW Sigma
79
8dfranek
76
9
71
10Carlos
68
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Francis G. Newlands Park (Little Forest)
Brightwood Recreation Center
Fort Circle Park
Fort Stevens Park
Fort Stevens
Fort Circle Park
Emery Park
Hamilton Park
Linnean Park

FAQs About Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway

Where is the best place to walk in Rock Creek Park?

According to the Pacer community, some of the best places to walk in Rock Creek Park include the Western Ridge Trail, Woodland Trail, and the Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway. These trails offer beautiful scenery and varying levels of difficulty for walkers and runners.

How many routes are in Rock Creek Park?

Rock Creek Park offers a variety of routes for walkers and runners. There are over 20 different routes within the park, ranging from short, easy trails to longer, more challenging paths. The Pacer community has provided detailed information and reviews for each route, making it easy to find the best fit for your fitness level and preferences.

Which is the longest route in Rock Creek Park?

The longest route in Rock Creek Park is the Pinehurst Circle, which spans 7.5 miles. This route offers a more challenging and longer workout for those looking to push their limits. The Pacer community has rated and reviewed this route, providing valuable insights for walkers and runners.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/runners in Rock Creek Park?

Yes, Rock Creek Park offers a variety of essential amenities for walkers and runners, including parking lots, restrooms, wheelchair-friendly paths, drinking water fountains, picnic sites, a leisure playground, and a running track.

How accessible is Rock Creek Park?

Rock Creek Park is accessible and wheelchair-friendly, making it suitable for all individuals to enjoy walking, running, and other outdoor activities.

What kind of sports can I do in Rock Creek Park?

In Rock Creek Park, you can engage in various sports activities such as biking, horse riding, soccer, tennis, baseball, and golf. There are also running tracks and sports centers available for those interested in running and other sports.

What is the best season to walk in Rock Creek Park?

The best season to walk in Rock Creek Park is typically spring or fall when the weather is milder and the foliage is at its most vibrant.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Rock Creek Park?

In Rock Creek Park, it's important to be prepared for hot and humid summers, and chilly winters. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and pleasant conditions for walking and running.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Rock Creek Park?

In Rock Creek Park, you may encounter white-tailed deer, foxes, various bird species, and a diverse range of plant life. It's important to be mindful and respectful of the wildlife during your visit.

Last updated: Dec 4, 2025

Parks Near Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway

Francis G. Newlands Park (Little Forest)
Brightwood Recreation Center
Fort Circle Park
Fort Stevens Park
Fort Stevens
Fort Circle Park
Emery Park
Hamilton Park
Linnean Park

Latest Check-ins at Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway

JonDec 4, 2025
Dec 4, 2025Manual
Adam ThibodeauDec 3, 2025
Dec 3, 2025Walking
MirandaDec 2, 2025
Dec 2, 2025Running
JonDec 1, 2025
Dec 1, 2025Manual
Dustin🏳️‍🌈Dec 1, 2025
Dec 1, 2025Walking
JonNov 30, 2025
Nov 30, 2025Manual
MirandaNov 30, 2025
Nov 30, 2025Running
james.d.mancusoNov 29, 2025
Nov 29, 2025Walking
MirandaNov 28, 2025
Nov 28, 2025Running
Dustin🏳️‍🌈Nov 27, 2025
Nov 27, 2025Walking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway

RankingCheck-ins
Angela
224
Ibrahim
188
Laura
180
4PacerPal
168
5Melinda
118
6Alexandre
93
7NW Sigma
79
8dfranek
76
9
71
10Carlos
68
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway
#1- Rock Creek Tennis Center
14
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m

Rock Creek Tennis Center is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near Washington, District of Columbia, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2- Woodland Trail
4
Length: 1.8 milesEst. Time: 31m

Woodland Trail is a 1.8 mile (4,000-step) route located near Washington, District of Columbia, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 259.1 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3- Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway
4
Length: 1.4 milesEst. Time: 24m

I always love Rock Creek Park because you have so many options. This route is a nice one. It’s easy to park on Holly St., Northwest and get into the trail system. You can go as far or as short as you like and have a nice experience. Just remember that the closer you are to the road, the noisier it is. There might be a water crossing here or there but it’s relatively easy and a beautiful forest setting.

#4- Western Ridge Trail
2
Length: 3.1 milesEst. Time: 54m

Western Ridge Trail is a 3.1 mile (7,000-step) route located near Washington, District of Columbia, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 436.2 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#5- Western Ridge Trail (Moderate)
2
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m

Western Ridge Trail (Moderate) is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near Washington, District of Columbia. This route has an elevation gain of about 26.2 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#6- Derby Ridge Lane
1
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 5m

Derby Ridge Lane is a 0.3 mile (500-step) route located near Chevy Chase, Maryland. This route has an elevation gain of about 26.2 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#7- Muddy trail
1
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m

Muddy trail is a 0.6 mile (1,500-step) route located near Washington, District of Columbia. This route has an elevation gain of about 39.4 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#8- Rock Creek Park
3
Length: 7.5 milesEst. Time: 2h13m

Rock Creek Park is a 7.5 mile (17,000-step) route located near Washington, District of Columbia, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 547.8 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#9- Holly, Valley, Pine, Dim, & Western Ridge Trail Combo
1
Length: 3.6 milesEst. Time: 1h46m

Very nice forest setting for just over a 5K. Got the trail from All Trails app. Pretty easy, steep in some places but not many. Main road closed but not the trails. You just need to navigate around blocks on bridges to stay on the route. Start at 16th and Holly, NW. Much less trafficked than most of Rock Creek Park.

#10- Muddy and Valley Trail Loop
1
Length: 3.9 milesEst. Time: 1h56m

Easy trail in Rock Creek Park in DC for quick 5K+. Shorter of you don't take the little detour I took which was the trail I wrote about last week but active road crews wouldn't let me cross the bridge. This route goes under the road and is unaffected by construction. Nice forest setting.

#11- Rock Creek Park off Holly NW
1
Length: 3.5 milesEst. Time: 1h17m

I always love Rock Creek Park because you have so many options. This route is a nice one. It’s easy to park on Holly St., Northwest and get into the trail system. You can go as far or as short as you like and have a nice experience. Just remember that the closer you are to the road, the noisier it is. There might be a water crossing here or there but it’s relatively easy and a beautiful forest setting.

#12- Teddy Roosevelt Side Trail
1
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 3m

Teddy Roosevelt Side Trail is a 0.2 mile (500-step) route located near Washington, District of Columbia. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#13- Valley Trail - Western Ridge Trail
1
Length: 3.5 milesEst. Time: 1h45m

Valley Trail - Western Ridge Trail is a 3.5 mile (8,000-step) route located near Washington, District of Columbia, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 472.3 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#14- Piney Branch Trail
1
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 6m

Piney Branch Trail is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near Washington, District of Columbia. This route has an elevation gain of about 19.7 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#15- Pinehurst Branch
1
Length: 1.3 milesEst. Time: 22m

Pinehurst Branch is a 1.3 mile (3,000-step) route located near Washington, District of Columbia. This route has an elevation gain of about 55.8 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#16- Western Ridge Trail (Strenuous)
1
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 4m

Western Ridge Trail (Strenuous) is a 0.2 mile (500-step) route located near Washington, District of Columbia. This route has an elevation gain of about 26.2 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

Reviews of Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway

Mr FishOct 10, 2025
5

Wonderful place in the heart of DC

PacerPalJul 28, 2019
4

It is a wonderful place lace

EdFeb 29, 2020
4

Good route. Well marked.

LauraOct 13, 2024
5

Great spot for running

AidaMay 7, 2020
5

Great hiking trail

PacerPalJul 10, 2022
5

Perfect

fblancogDec 6, 2022
4

RachelMay 31, 2021
4

WalterNov 9, 2025
5
DaniOct 4, 2025
5
chaseworthamSep 4, 2025
5
PacerPalAug 24, 2025
5
EllenJun 29, 2025
5
JonJun 9, 2025
5
Ann RitaMar 22, 2025
5
Dustin🏳️‍🌈Feb 26, 2025
5
LiDec 22, 2024
5
Kenzie HarmsNov 17, 2024
5
ElviraNov 3, 2024
5
SomersetOct 30, 2024
5
PacerPalOct 24, 2024
5
HowardOct 22, 2024
5
LawryOct 13, 2024
5
PacerPalOct 9, 2024
5
KJPSep 5, 2024
5
JOSEPHSep 3, 2024
5
HéctorAug 20, 2024
5
andrewAug 12, 2024
5
PacerGuy_1969Aug 11, 2024
5
YengaJul 27, 2024
5
el doradoApr 15, 2024
5
AlexisApr 14, 2024
5
kmickyOct 8, 2022
5
PacerPalJun 4, 2022
5
KimApr 14, 2022
5
reaves1216Feb 23, 2022
5
BrenanSep 27, 2021
5
yayaJun 30, 2021
5
MPhillipsJun 3, 2021
5
norab7174gotMay 22, 2021
5
PacerGuy_1980Mar 13, 2021
5
PacerGal_1956Oct 26, 2020
5
AbbasOct 25, 2020
5
CheriOct 4, 2020
5
TylerSep 4, 2020
5
NW SigmaJul 13, 2020
5
FiffyJun 2, 2020
5
SeethaOct 16, 2025
4
JamesOct 15, 2025
4
europe4lifeSep 20, 2025
4
JohanaMay 10, 2025
4
DianaNov 15, 2024
4
jennyFeb 5, 2022
4
DreMay 17, 2021
4
baratopsisJul 14, 2024
3
DanielJul 7, 2020
3
4.7/5
2861 ratings

Photos of Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway

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