Rock Creek Trail forms a winding path, at times narrow, through the urban greenway of Rock Creek Regional Park. The trail extends between Needwood Lake northeast of Rockville, MD, and the Washington, D.C., border, 14 miles south. Although the area is urbanized, the trail route is through a mostly wooded corridor that encompasses Rock Creek, as it flows toward the Potomac River.
It's a popular trail despite that it's not always well marked, and you may find yourself taking unexpected side paths in different directions. In addition, the trail is often covered in branches and leaves, and the asphalt heaves in many places from tree roots. If you're on a bike, take it slowly and enjoy the green refuge, giving way to runners and walkers.
At the south end, along Beach Drive, the trail enters Washington, D.C., and continues as the
Rock Creek Park Trail.
There are dozens of places to park all along the route within Rock Creek Regional Park. Consult the map for details.
The trail is mostly shaded and will be nice to visit during the summer months. It is very winding - which was a bit overwhelming at times on a road bike. The path was not crowded, which was very nice - especially since the path is rather narrow at some ...