Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park is 2,000 acres running through the middle of DC, and most visitors walk straight to the Mall and never find it.

What it is

A real park: creek, trees, trails, wildlife. Not manicured. The trails range from paved bike paths to rougher dirt routes that feel removed from the city. The creek itself is a good thing to sit next to.

The Nature Center near Glover Road has free exhibits on local ecology and occasional ranger programs. Picnic areas are scattered through the park and don't require permits for small groups.

Getting there

No single entrance. The park runs from Georgetown north to the Maryland border. Beach Drive closes to cars on weekends and fills up with cyclists and runners. Parking near the Nature Center on Glover Road is the easiest starting point for a first visit.

Worth knowing

Go on a weekday morning to have the trails mostly to yourself. Weekend afternoons bring the whole neighborhood out.