Rock Creek Loop (8.1 miles, 817 ft elevation)

Let's enjoy the current warmer weather with a hike this Sunday in DC's Rock Creek park! This one’s for all the car-free DC folks, those who want an short morning drive with easy parking, and anyone who wants to explore one of region's great urban parks.

This is a moderately challenging hike due to its length (rather than elevation). We’ll move at a steady 2-3 mph pace with breaks as needed. Water and bathrooms are available at the start, and may also be available a few miles into the hike, but please carry a minimum of 1L with you.

Start location: we’ll meet at Picnic Grove 24 across from Rock Creek Tennis Center https://maps.app.goo.gl/wUMV6UqH7GKsDBbA8?g_st=ic

Route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-ba011fd

Parking: Free and plentiful

Transit: Several buses go past this location on 16th Street. You can pick them up from Silver Spring metro (red line) or various metro stations in downtown DC.

Bikeshare: the nearest dock is at Colorado Ave & Longfellow St NW per Google.

Meet time: We'll meet at 9:30 am at the location noted above and, after intros, start hiking the trail shortly afterwards.

There is no official after hike meal planned. For those that which to gather informally, the hike leader recommends Moreland's Tavern, which is an easy walk from our meeting point: https://morelandstavern.com/

CARPOOLING:
Although this is one of our rare public transportation-accessible hikes, we encourage those with cars driving in from outside DC to be willing to carpool - you're the ones who make LMH great!

If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information:
(1) Number of seats
(2) Meeting location
(3) Meeting time

As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas.
We look forward to hiking with you!

BACKGROUND INFO ABOUT LMH: Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.

We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times.

Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)

LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0)