National Park Service · DC
Rock Creek Park
DC's 1,754-acre urban forest. The Valley and Western Ridge trails let you run or hike from Boundary Bridge to Pierce Mill without ever leaving the woods.
Live · updated
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.
The lower plaza and areas surrounding the cascading fountain of Meridian Hill Park are closed while the park undergoes repairs. Sidewalks along W and 16th Streets remain open to pedestrians. A pathway between W Street NW, the James Buchanan Memorial, the Dante Statue, and the upper terrace is open but will close at a later date for work on the statues. Much of the upper level of the park will close in spring and summer 2026 to rehabilitate the grass.
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.
Trails ranked today
Western Ridge Trail
Ridge-top counterpart to the Valley Trail. Loop the two via connectors for an ~11 mile DC trail run.
Valley Trail (Rock Creek)
The stream-side trail of Rock Creek — shaded, rooty, and runnable. Runs ~5.6 miles one-way from Boundary Bridge in the north down past Pierce Mill toward the National Zoo. Pair with Western Ridge Trail and connectors for an ~11 mile loop.
Park advisories
In late March and early April, there will be temporary closures on Piney Branch Parkway for project work with DC Water and the Federal Highway Administration. As much as possible, these temporary closures will not occur during rush hour times.
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.
About this park
Agency
National Park Service.
Official site
Coordinates
38.9600, -77.0450
Trails covered
2 curated routes at this park.