A Moderate 9 Miles in Rock Creek Regional Park: Lake Frank and Lake Needwood!
- December 1, 2012 · 10:00 AM
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This location is shown only to members
Join Us for An 9 Mile Moderate Hike! Lake Frank and Lake Needwood in Rock Creek Regional Park!
Rock Creek Regional Park covers approximately 1800 acres and includes the beautiful 75-acre Lake Needwood and the picturesque 55-acre Lake Frank. Visitors can enjoy the park by meandering along 13 miles of trails through woodlands and along the lakeshores, picnicking, fishing, boating and viewing many species of resident wildlife. Picnic shelters can be reserved by contacting the Park Permits Office. Other park amenities include playgrounds, Needwood Boat Rental and Snack Bar, Meadowside Nature Center and lake tours on the Queen Needwood.
Lake Frank's secluded location within Rock Creek Regional Park is another of its assets. Visitors to the lake must bike or walk about 1/4 of a mile from all parking lots to get to the lakeshore. The Lake Frank & Meadowside Trails surround the lake, making it a favorite hiking spot. Also, locals enjoy fishing from the shoreline, though a license is needed to do so. However, swimming, boating, and ice skating are prohibited.
The main trail around Lake Frank, the Lakeside Trail, is a 3 1/4 mile long loop. Approximately 2/3 of the trail is unpaved and traverses through the woods surrounding the lake. The other part of the trail is wider and paved. At the approximate half way point of the trail, there is a creek that must be crossed. Though there are a group of rocks which form a bridge-like path across, the creek may be unpassable for some depending on the water level.
Lake Needwood is part of Rock Creek Regional Park. Visitors can rent pedal boats, rowboats, and canoes, and a flat-bottom pontoon boat, the Needwood Queen, is available for rides. With a license, fishing is permitted. Also, the picnic areas surrounding the lake are popular locations for various events. Other park features include a visitors center and snack bar, hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, an archery range and Needwood Golf Course. About one mile (1.6 km) southeast is Lake Needwood's sister lake, Lake Frank.
Hike Pace
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. Large groups really take away from the hiking experience. This also allows us to offer a variety of hike paces and for this particular hike you have 2 to choose from which allows us to be put together with those of a similar pace. Paces should be not only based on your preference but also ability needs to be taken into consideration.
If you are uncomfortable with either of these pace options, please select a different hike as there is NOT a newbie/social pace for this hike.
Pace Option 1: A Social Pace for those looking to focus on the environment rather than where they getting a cardio workout.
Pace Option 2: A moderate pace of about 2.5mph (most common pace).
PLEASE put your pace preference in your RSVP so we can plan accordingly
Weather Info
We hike rain or shine. Click Here for an up to date weather forecast
Trail Information
Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Derwood, MD
Length: 9 miles
Scenery: Woods and Lake views
Exposure: Mostly shady; less so in winter
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trail Type: Two Loops
Skill Level: Moderate
Duration: 4 - 4.5 hours. We will be stopping at the Snack Bar at Lake Needwood midway through the hike for a brief break (approx 20min)
Trail Surface: Mostly dirt; some pavement; two stream crossings.
Season: Year round
Local Maps: USGS Rock Creek Regional Park
Topo Map: Lake Needwood and Lake Frank Topographic Map
Facilities: Toilets and water at the Lake Frank Meadowside Nature Center and Lake Needwood Snack Bar/Boat House. (Note: We will NOT be going by the Meadowside Nature center, so if you need to stop there prior to the hike, please allow time for that, the hike begins at 10:00am.)
Trails Other Uses: Bikes and Rollerbladers on the Rock Creek Hiker Biker Trail.
Concessions: Snack Bar at the Lake Needwood Boat House. The Boat House Snack Bar (open during the regular season June 1 thru Sept) features ice cream, juice, and a new selection of healthy snacks. Vending machines with water, soda and Gatorade are located in the Boat House.
Our RSVP Policies and Group Etiquette
Click here to review our policies
Carpool Information
It is the members responsibility to work with each other to arrange carpools.You should exchange contact information, via email, with each other to confirm the details.
Baltimore Area Carpool
To carpool or caravan from the Baltimore metro area, meet at Savage Station. Click here for directions to Savage Station.
VA Area Carpool from Faifax/Vienna Metro Station
To carpool or caravan from the metro DC area, meetup at the Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station. Cick here for directions to Metro Vienna GMU Station in Fairfax, VA.
If you can drive or want to carpool from additional locations, please post your location in the comment section below. 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 Detailed Directions to the Trailhead and Where We Meet.
Hike Time is 10:00 a.m.
Carpool meetup time from Savage Station is 9:00 a.m.
Carpool meetup time from Vienna Metro Station is 9:00 a.m.
Gear Suggestions and 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 which means that no hiker is left behind. If you get upset because someone has to rest at the top of a hill etc. then please 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 you there and please take the leaders number with you just in case...
Robert: [masked]
Tim: [masked]
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Keigan Williams
i paid for a friend that was unable to attend today's hike...how can I transfer those funds to another hike?
December 1
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Regina
and it's not transferrable to another hike since you get the money credited back to your account/credit card, if you get a refund.
December 1
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Cathy Nestoriak
Not sure I can make it tomorrow. Still hopeful, but have some juggling to do....
November 30
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Vee Nguyen
Hello All: is there anybody leaving from DC? I live by the Convention Center and would love to split gas cost with you.
November 25
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Kellie Carlisle
We do not publically post where the hike starts to help keep non-members from showing up, which is not only rude, but makes for an awkwad situation. Please use the link in the listing and if you have any trouble at all, just contact me or the hike leader as that is what I am here for. Enjoy the hike Brittany:)
November 30
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Jisel
Hi, Is anyone leaving from the Centreville area? If anyone is interested in carpooling let me know, I can drive if anyone just wants to pitch in a little bit for gas. I can also meet at Vienna.
November 26
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Jisel
Hi, unfortunately, I found out I have to work on Saturday and switched over to a Sunday hike. But if we sign up for the same hike in the future, I'd be interested in carpooling!
November 30
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Richard Krieger
I can pick up a few people at East or West Falls Church metro if someone needs a ride. Please email me if interested.
November 28
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Bill
Hi Richard, do you have room for one more still. I can help pay for gas. If so, which Metro?
November 29
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Kellie Carlisle
If you are on the wait list and would like to go on the hike, you will get an e-mail as slots are available. It is a “first come first serve” for available slots. Open slots are open to everyone whether on the wait list or not, but the wait list will insure you are notified of open slots as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the hike can handle it. Click here for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co...
Hope this helps and enjoy the hike. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.November 28
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Kellie Carlisle
Ross, we have more slots available so feel free to RSVP. There is plenty of space at this time. Yay! Great weather expected too!
1 · November 27
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brittany roy
Me and my boyfriend would like to join this group. Any chance of more openings?
November 25
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Kellie Carlisle
You should be able to RSVP no as we were able to add slots thanks to additional leaders.
1 · November 27
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Kellie Carlisle
We just got an additional leader so we have 15 more slots. Hope you get one as they are first come first serve but if you are on the wait list, you will get a notice whenever slots open.
1 · November 27
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Kellie Carlisle
If you are on the wait list and would like to go on the hike, you will get an e-mail as slots are available. It is a “first come first serve” for available slots. Open slots are open to everyone whether on the wait list or not, but the wait list will insure you are notified of open slots as well as letting me know to look for another leader if the hike can handle it. Click here for how to get off the wait list and RSVP “yes”, http://www.midatlantichiking.co...
Hope this helps and enjoy the hike. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need further assistance as that is what I am here for.November 20
42 attended
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Cary +1
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Ross Garner +1
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Holly funger +1
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brittany roy +1
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Doug C
Checked-in -
Tippi
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John
Pre-Approved for Very Strenuous Hikes!
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Jill +1
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Fan +1
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Keigan Williams +1
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Your organizer's refund policy for A Moderate 9 Miles in Rock Creek Regional Park: Lake Frank and Lake Needwood!
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 if your RSVP is changed from a yes to a no PRIOR to 48 hour of hike Meetup time.
Payments you make go to the organizer, not to Meetup. You must make refund requests to the organizer.
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