Rock Creek Loop (8.1 miles, 817 ft elevation)
Details
Let's enjoy a hike on this next-to-last Sunday of spring in DC's Rock Creek Park! This one’s for car-free DC folks, those who want a short morning drive with easy parking, and anyone who wants to explore one of the region's great urban parks.
This is a moderately challenging hike due to its length, though there is not much elevation gain. We’ll move at a steady 2–3 mph pace, with breaks as needed. Water and bathrooms are available at the start. Please bring 2 liters of water with you.
Start location and time:
We’ll meet at 9 am at Picnic Grove 24 across from Rock Creek Tennis Center https://maps.app.goo.gl/wUMV6UqH7GKsDBbA8?g_st=ic
We'll gather at covered picnic table shown in the image below. I'll have a large blue hiking backpack.
Note: We'll start hiking promptly after our meeting time, but I'll allow a grace period of up to 10 minutes for late arrivals.
Route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-ba011fd
Transportation Options:
Driving or rideshare (Lyft/Uber): Yes! the meeting point is easy to get to and parking is free and plentiful.
Buses: Indeed! 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. Please allow a little extra time if taking the bus, given variability in arrival times.
Bikeshares - Of course! There are stations close by.
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 (https://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.usda.gov/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)