First Day Hike in Rock Creek: 6 Mile Southern Loop
Details
First Day Hike in Rock Creek: 6 Mile Southern Loop
Start 2026 on the right foot with a scenic and refreshing 6-mile loop hike through Rock Creek Park. This First Day Hike has to offer. We will start at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, and travel south past Pierce Mill, ascend up to the Pierce-Klingle Mansion, cross Rock Creek, and hike up the Valley trail, visiting Pulpit Rock and Boulder Bridge before returning to the Nature Center. The hike is generally considered a moderate route. It takes an average of 3 hours hike to complete. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Toilets will NOT be available at the Nature Center. however, the toilets at Pierce Mill will likely be open (about 2 miles into the hike).
Time to Meet: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00
Directions to Trailhead: The address is 5200 Glover Road, NW, at the Rock Creek Nature Center
The GPS coordinates are 38.959953, -77.051673
Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed.
Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 740 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour
Facilities: While the nature center will be closed, toilets likely be open about 2 miles into the hike at Pierce Mill.
Fees: No entrance fees
Cancellation: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting.
Weather: The weather for this location can be found here.
Maximum number of hikers: 15
Notes:
-Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike.
-Please do not show up unregistered.
-Please keep this a fragrance free event.
-To find out more about PATC, click here. Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here.