Name: Opt Outside: Hike Rock Creek Park Southern Loop (Rating: C)
Start: 2025-11-28T09:00:00-05:00
End: 2025-11-28T13:00:00-05:00
Location: Rock Creek Park Nature Center

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, **[https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf)** and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with **"I Accept"** to be permitted on the hike.

**5.6 mile loop with a 685 ft. elevation gain that makes the hike the equivalent to a bit over 7 miles. (400ft gain = 1 mile)**

**Description:** A great way to work off that Thanksgiving feast! **[Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm)**[ ](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm)is truly a **gem** in our **nation's capital**. This **1,754 acre city park** was officially authorized in **1890**, making it the **third national park**. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals.
This hike starts from the **[Rock Creek Park Nature Center](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)** (closed Mon/Tues) and heads **east** and then **south** following the **creek** to the **[Valley Trail](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)**, the **[Rock Creek Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington-dc/western-ridge-trail-rock-creek-valley-trail)** and finally to the **[Western Ridge Trail](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)**
through **[Pierce Mill](https://www.nps.gov/places/peirce-mill.htm)** and then back to the **[Nature Center](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)**.

**Pace**: pace is about **2 - 2.5 mph** while moving.

**Bring:** adequate water/hydration, also snack/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are rocky areas, tree roots.

**Dogs:** Dogs are **not** welcome on this hike in accordance with the **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy).**

**Weather:** weather in this location is **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/4977d84136752e007d09245dc605351849a561f839bb8c7d002ae55470e11441).**

**Meetup Location:** we will meet in the parking lot of the **[Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)** (Closed Monday and Tuesdays) at 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015 GPS Coordinates : **38°57'34.1"N 77°03'05.6"W**

**Rock Creek Park**
**[Map of Hike](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington-dc/western-ridge-trail-rock-creek-valley-trail)**
**[Hiking in Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/hiking.htm)**
**[Map of Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)**

**Questions:** feel free to text/call me, Dawn, at 703 533 9231

Dawn KEELER 🥾🥾

Northern Virginia Hiking Club (NVHC)

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Opt Outside: Hike Rock Creek Park Southern Loop  (Rating: C)

Rock Creek Park Nature Center

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Opt Outside: Hike Rock Creek Park Southern Loop (Rating: C)

Northern Virginia Hiking Club (NVHC)

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