Rock Creek Series: Part 3 of 3: Arboreal Southern Section! METRO Accessible!
- February 9 · 10:00 AM
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Rock Creek Park in Winter Hike Series: Part 3 of 3! A Moderate Hike in The Arboreal Southern Section! Up to 8.9 Miles (Shorter Options Available) and 3 Pace Options (METRO Accessible)
This is the final section, part 3, of our Rock Creek Park in Winter Series which, if joining us for the entire series, will take us pretty much all throughout the park! All are METRO accessible
Click Here for Part 1: January 19th: The Wild Northern Section of Rock Creek Park (Metro Accessible): An Easy Side of Moderate 9.3 (Shorter Options Available) Miles!
Click Here for Part 2: January 27th: The Rocky Central Section of Rock Creek Park (Metro Accessible): A Moderate 4.5 Miles
Todays Hike: Part 3: February 9th: The Arboreal Southern Section of Rock Creek Park (Metro Accessible): A Moderate 8.9 (Shorter Options Available) Miles
Washington, DC, has long been called the City of Trees. Despite a net tree-cover loss of roughly 60 percent since 1980, the name still applies. The parks remain mostly wooded. Residential streets, yards, and gardens sport canopies of leaves. Vacant lots, rights-of-way, and nooks quickly follow suit if left alone. This hike celebrates the District's arboreal heritage. We pass the zoo and if others are interested we can spend some time there as well! It winds through the well-wooded parklands and residential areas of Northwest Washington. Administratively, the parklands are all part of the National Park Service's Rock Creek Park. However, like the hike, they also include four separate units; Melvin Hazen, Glover-Archbold, Whitehaven, and Dumbarton Oaks Parks. Most of the trees along the hike route are deciduous, such as oaks, hickories, maples, dogwoods, and sycamores. Hikers will also find more exotic varieties along the way, with wildflowers and birds adding further color and interest to the trailside parklands. © Copyright Paul Elliott Published by Menasha Ridge Press. All Rights Reserved.
There are several Metro stops within a short distance of the trail at various points along our route, allowing for a shorter hike if you return to your car via Metro or bus.
Pace Options
We break down into groups no larger than 15 hikers per leader/sweep team for a more enjoyable experience for all of us and is better for the environment as well because we are committed to good outdoor ethics according to LNT guidelines (we are certified by LNT). Large groups really take away from the hiking experience. Before anyone gets concerned about how many are allowed on this hike, please note we will NOT, and never do hike in a large group. The park was consulted for deciding how many to limit the hike to and they suggested an even higher number. This park is the Central Park of DC and built to accommodate over 1000's of people at any given time and plenty of parking at this location. Any concerns should be sent directly to me and any comments not pertinent to arrangements for carpooling etc. will be deleted. Multiple pace options provide for a variety of hike paces and for this particular hike you have 3 to choose from which allows you to be put together with those of a similar pace. so you will not rushed or slowed down and can hike what is comfy for you. Paces should be not only based on your preference but your ability needs to be taken into consideration.
Pace Option 1: A "walk in the woods" or "newbie" pace which is great for those who want to soak up the nature and will be up to 2.0mph.
Pace Option 2: A moderate pace of about 2.5mph which is the speed of the average hiker. Due to the popularity of this particular pace, we have several leaders for this pace. We do not hike in large groups.
Pace Option 3: A brisk group of about 3mph.
PLEASE put your pace preference in your RSVP so we can plan accordingly!
Trail Information
Nearby City: Washington, DC
Scenery: Mostly wooded parklands with intervening street scenes
Trail surface: Roughly half pavement; the rest is mostly dirt; rooty, muddy in places
Length: 8.9 total miles with shorter distance options via Metro
Duration: Up to 5 hours
Exposure: Mostly shady
Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Moderate due to length but otherwise this is an easy hike and take note that there are shorter options on this hike. The elevation changes come in fits and spurts and you can clearly see them coming. Most of the hike is along gently rolling terrain that is easy on the legs and knee
Local Contacts: National Zoological Park, Melvin Hazen Park, Glover - Archbold Park, Whitehaven Park, Dumbarton Oaks Park, Montrose Park
Local Maps: USGS Washington West; PATC Map N; ADC Metro Washington
Facilities: Toilets, water, phones near Pierce Mill, at eateries on major streets as well
Note Only to Hike Leaders: Use PATC Map N and the hike description from 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of D.C. 1st edition and NOT the new 2nd edition. I have scanned the hike guide/description and it is available upon your request as a .PDF in case you do not have the older book. Please contact Kellie if you do not have the map either, as I will have one ordered and shipped to you right away because as a member of the leadership team you should have the PATC maps for where you lead hikes as one of your perks of being part of our team!
Weather Information
We hike rain, snow, or shine! Click here to see an up to the minute forecast for the area where we will be hiking.
Carpool Information
There are 2 carpools for this hike!
Baltimore Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Baltimore metro area, you can arrange to meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station. Use the comment section to discuss carpooling with other members.
Annapolis Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Annapolis area , you can arrange to meet at the Harbour Center Mall Starbucks. Click here for Annapolis carpooldirections for getting to the carpool location. Use the comment section to discuss carpooling with other members.
If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations, please post your location in the comment section below. Click here for suggested carpool locations complete with directions. For those who need a ride, reach out to the drivers. Make friends, and support the environment - by just offering a ride!
Directions to the Trailhead
Click Here for Directions to where we meetup for this hike. Metro directions are included in this link!
Hike Meetup Time is at 10:00 a.m.
Carpool meetup time from Savage is 9:00 a.m.
Annapolis carpool time is 8:45 a.m.
Gear Information
Click here for suggestions for what to wear and what not to wear for our hikes.
Please remember we are a social hiking group that values fellowship and camaraderie and practice good hike etiquette. We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then find another group! We are very supportive, encouraging, and focus on safety while getting or staying fit on the trail and practicing Leave No Trace outdoor ethics.
Fido is welcome on this hike!
See ya on the trail and take my number just in case!
Harrison: [masked]
Robert: [masked]
Priyanga: [masked]
Mike: [masked]
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Maria
Hi Cassie. You must have been in a different group since I wen t on this hike as well but did not see you. By-the-way I saw your art and think it is wonderful.
February 13
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robert F
Harrison, thanks for the awesome and accurate trail directions. Would probably still be wondering around there without them.
February 10
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Oscelyn Anderson
I second that Robert. Great hike leader, Harrison, enjoyed it much...even now with sore limbs.
February 11
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robert F
Great hike guys. I had a nice time, and we had a great group with a good pace. Thanks also to our sweep for not loosing anyone. Will be posting photos shortly.
February 10
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JOEL KATZ
Beans would like to thank everyone who fussed over him. He would like to give them a big lick.
February 10
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Kellie Carlisle
Thanks so much Harrison, Robert, Priyanga, and Mike for braving the cold and the wind to lead a fantastic hike.
2 · February 10
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Mike H.
The weather wasn't nearly as bad as the weathermen led us to believe. It was great hiking weather. I had a great group!
February 10
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Doreen H
Sorry I didn't make it this morning- power outage in my area. Power came back this morning, it was cold last night :)
February 9
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Kellie Carlisle
Brrrrr.... Glad your power came back on! Thanks for letting us know and you will not be marked a no show.
February 9
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yyannu
it was my first time ever hike and I'm sick! as soon as I recover ill try again. Sorry for the very late cancelation.
February 9
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Kellie Carlisle
yyannu, please take care of yourself and hope you will enjoy your first hike soon. We look forward to meeting you!
February 9
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M'Heeraw Kennedy
Something personal has come back and I have to turn around and head back.
February 9
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Kellie Carlisle
M'Heeraw, thanks for letting us know. You will not be marked as a no show. Hope everything turns out okay and we will see you next time.
February 9
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Cici Lemke
Hi, I woke up this morning running a fever, so I don't think I can make it. I'm very sorry for the last minute cancellation. Thank you.
February 9
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Kellie Carlisle
Cici, very sorry to hear that you are ill and hope you have a speedy recovery. Please take care of yourself. It is impressive that you took the time to update your RSVP even though you are running a fever.
1 · February 9
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Martin Baron
I can pick you up at the McDonald's (intersection of Randolph and Veirs Mill at 9:15 AM. Let me know.
February 9
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harrison
Please remember that metro typically does track work on the weekend, so give yourself enough time. Also, if driving, parking can be an issue, so give yourself plenty of time to find parking.
February 8
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rachelle
hi, i am now on the list to go. do we request our pace group on this message board? i am pace 2. also what are the shorter distances to cut off and head to the metro?
February 7
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harrison
We meet outside the metro station. Please click the link to the directions to trailhead for that information. Do not post trailhead information in these comments. You must have a Yes RSVP to join this hike.
February 7
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rachelle
hi, i see a spot opened on the wait list. What is the Metro stop and can you walk to the meeting spot?
February 7
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Kellie Carlisle
How to Move from the Wait list to a “Yes” - If you are on the wait list, you will get an e-mail as slots become available. It is a “first come first serve” system for available slots. Slots are open to everyone, whether on the wait list or not. However, being on the wait list will make certain that you are notified when open slots become available as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the trails (and parking) can accommodate it and still comply with our Leave No Trace pledge. Click the following link for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co...
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.February 7
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Jim Fuller
Can someone tell me where we meet for this hike. I'm confirmed for this hike, but I can't pull up the directions to trailhead on my computer.
February 6
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Hiromi
Hi I live in Foggy Bottom. Could someone give me a drive? I will be able to go to a metro station or bus stop. I am glad to share the gas fee. Thanks!
February 5
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Marybeth Cully
We prefer pace option 2. This is our first hike with the group and we are looking forward to it.
1 · February 5
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A former member
pace 2
January 27
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Your organizer's refund policy for Rock Creek Series: Part 3 of 3: Arboreal Southern Section! METRO Accessible!
Refunds offered if:
- the Meetup is cancelled
- the Meetup is rescheduled
- you can cancel at least 2 day(s) before the Meetup
Additional notes: Refund only if your RSVP is update PIOR to 48 hours of hike time
Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.
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