Rock Creek Park Southern Loop 6 Miles

Join us for this scenic 6-mile loop in Rock Creek Park averaging 2-2.5 miles per hour with an elevation gain of 740 feet.

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 to complete the loop. 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).

Meeting Point:
The address is 5200 Glover Road, NW, at the Rock Creek Nature Center (no entrance fees, plenty of parking)

Meeting Time:
Plan to arrive at 8:15am so you will be able to meet everyone and sign the PATC waiver. Once the waiver is signed, we will begin the hike promptly at 8:30am.

Route:
Here is an AllTrails route in case you want to import this into a navigation device. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-march-2-2025-36e51f2-2?u=i&sh=wugt2j

Contact Info:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions, and to arrange carpools. Call/text the hike leader (Allie) if urgent for day-of questions or issues 202-320-6103

Important Notes:
RSVP here by 6pm the evening before; please do not show up unregistered. If you need to cancel, please change your RSVP by 6pm to allow others to move off the waiting list. Cancelling after 6pm may result in being designated a “no-show” which may affect your ability to sign up for future PATC hikes.

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.

**Consider becoming a member of PATC to both enjoy the trails and support their maintenance. www.patc.net