Rock Creek Park Southern Loop

Rock Creek Park Southern Loop: A Moderate 6-Mile Hike

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES"

Join us for a scenic 6-mile loop through Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC. This moderate hike follows the Western Ridge and Valley Trails through wooded hills, alongside Rock Creek, and past several of the park’s historic landmarks. We will begin at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and travel south past Pierce Mill, ascend toward the Pierce-Klingle Mansion, cross Rock Creek, and return along the Valley Trail. Along the
way, we will visit Pulpit Rock and Boulder Bridge before returning to the Nature Center.

The route includes approximately 740 feet of elevation gain, with several climbs and descents. Expect uneven terrain, exposed roots, rocks, and occasional road crossings. We will maintain a moderate pace of 2.0–2.5 miles per hour, with short breaks along the way.

The hike should take approximately 3–3.5 hours to complete.

Time to Meet:
Please meet at 9:45 AM for introductions and sign-in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00 AM.

Directions to Trailhead:
Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium
5200 Glover Road NW, Washington, DC 20015
GPS Coordinates: 38.959953, -77.051673
Parking is available near the Nature Center. There are no entrance fees.

Route:
View the Southern Loop on AllTrails

Contact Information:
Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions, and to arrange carpools. Call/text the hike leader (Jordy) if urgent for day-of questions or issues 301-821-0138.

Details
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: Approximately 740 feet
Pace: 2.0–2.5 miles per hour
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Facilities: Portable toilets at the Nature Center and restrooms at Pierce Mill, approximately 2 miles into the hike.
Fees: No entrance fees
What to Bring: Water, a snack, hiking shoes with good traction, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Cancellation:
In the event of severe weather or unsafe trail conditions, the hike may be cancelled as late as the
evening before. Participants will be notified through comments on this Meetup posting.

Weather:
The weather forecast for Washington, DC, can be found here. Please check the forecast before the hike and dress appropriately.

Notes:
- PLEASE RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. SHOULD YOUR PLANS CHANGE, KINDLY UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY NOON THE DAY PRIOR TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO FILL YOUR SPOT. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST, IT IS IMPORTANT TO SIGN OUT AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOU WILL NOT ATTEND BECAUSE MEETUP MOVES PEOPLE AUTOMATICALLY TO THE GOING LIST ONCE A SPOT OPENS. SIGNING OUT AFTER 6:00 PM WILL BE CONSIDERED A "NO SHOW," AND REPEATED INSTANCES MAY RESULT IN BEING BARRED FROM PARTICIPATING IN FUTURE HIKES LED BY THIS ORGANIZER.
● Please do not show up unregistered.
● All participants must sign the PATC liability waiver before departure.
● Please keep this a fragrance free event.
● Dogs must remain leashed at all times.
-To find out more about PATC, click here.
-Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here.