Rock Creek Wednesday After Work Hike in the Central and Southern Areas (06-18)

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Rock Creek Park Wednesday: An Easy Side of Moderate After Work Hike

We will hike slightly different routes each week to explore Rock Creek Park’s southern and central sections. Headlamps are suggested but not required.

"Rock Creek Park forms a big wedge that follows its namesake creek from Washington's northern apex down to the creek's mouth on the Potomac River. The park's central section features a rocky and superbly scenic creek valley.© Copyright Paul Elliott Published by Menasha Ridge Press. All Rights Reserved.

Come out and receive a restorative dose of outdoor activity, plus a sampling of the park's natural charms. Scenery: Gently rolling woodlands, rocky creek, and foliage."

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. This area celebrates the District's arboreal heritage. It winds through the well-wooded parklands of Northwest Washington. Administratively, the parklands are all part of the National Park Service's Rock Creek Park. However, this area is divided up and include four separate units; Melvin Hazen, Glover-Archbold, Whitehaven, and Dumbarton Oaks Parks. Most of the trees this 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.

Hike Pace
There is one leader for this hike, hence only 20 max allowed to RSVP (that is already allowing for no shows as we know to expect 15-18 to show) and the pace will be that of an average hiker.

Trail Information

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Trail surface: Mostly dirt or stony dirt; some pavement, grass; rocky, rooty in places.
Nearby City: Washington, DC
Length: 4-6 total miles
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Easy Side of Moderate and great for those wanting to transition from Easy to Moderate level hiking
Scenery: Gently rolling woodlands, rocky creek

Exposure: Mostly shady; less so in winter

Weather Information
We hike rain or shine. Click here (http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/local/20008?lswe=20008&lwsa=Weather36HourOutdoorsCommand&from=whatwhere) to see an up to the minute forecast for the area where we will be hiking.

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Carpool Information

To carpool from the Baltimore area, meet people at Savage Station. Click here for directions (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/pages/Carpool_Directions_for_Savage_Station/) to Savage Station.

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 (http://www.midatlantichiking.com/messages/boards/thread/8958392) 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 (Including Metro Directions)

Click Here for directions (http://www.midatlantichiking.com/pages/Directions%3A_Rock_Creek_Pierce_Mill_Starting_Point) to Where We Meetup for This Hike. Metro directions are included in this link!

Hike Meetup Time is at 6:00 p.m.

Carpool meetup time from Savage is 5:00 p.m.

Gear Information

Click here for suggestions (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/pages/Gear_Information_and_What_to_Bring/) 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 (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/pages/Hiking_and_Trail_Etiquette/). We take breaks as necessary and have at least one guide in the front in addition to a "sweeper" in the back which helps ensure 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 (https://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Hiking/pages/Leave_No_Trace_Hiking/) outdoor ethics.

Fido is Welcome on This Hike!

See ya on the trail and take my number just in case!

Lauren: 571.594.6053