Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
10
Rock Creek Park: Rapids
Bridge Loop
See the rapids of Rock Creek on this wooded hike through the park. Look for deer and foxes along the
trail.
Distance: 2-mile lollipop
Approximate hiking time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Trail surface: Natural surfaces
Best seasons: Year-round
Other trail users: Runners, horses
Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted
Fees and permits: None
Schedule: Always open; nature center open Wed through Sun from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Maps: National Park Service maps at www.nps.gov/rocr; trail maps available at the
nature center
Trail contact: Rock Creek Park, 3545 Williamsburg Lane NW, Washington, D.C. 20008;
(202) 895-6000; www.nps.gov/rocr
Finding the trailhead:
By car: On I-66, cross the Roosevelt Bridge. At the end of the
bridge, take the right-hand exit for Independence Avenue. At the T intersection, bear
right and then bear right again onto unsigned Independence Avenue toward the Kennedy
Center. Follow the signs for Beach Drive. Beach Drive winds through the park for about
two miles; continue to follow Beach Drive until you see signs for the nature center. Fol-
low these signs, which will take you onto Ridge Road and Glover Road toward the en-
trance to the nature center. Park at the nature center. Via Metro: Take the Red line to Van
Ness-UDC station. To begin the 1.2-mile walk to the nature center, exit onto Connectic-
ut Avenue. Head north on Connecticut and turn right on Davenport Street. Follow this
