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Rock Creek Park

Established on September 27, 1890 Rock Creek Park is one of the oldest national parks in the National Park Service. It is also one of the largest forested urban parks in the United States, containing a wide variety of natural, historical, and recreational features in the midst of Washington, DC. There are opportunities for picnicking, hiking, biking, skating, horseback riding, tennis and golf. The main visitor center is the Nature Center which contains a Planetarium and is the focal point for activities related to the park's natural history. The area's cultural history can be studied through the Old Stone House (the oldest house in Washington), Peirce Mill (a gristmill where corn and wheat were ground into flour using water power from Rock Creek) and the remains of Civil War earthen fortifications, including Fort Stevens, the site of the only battle within the District of Columbia during the Civil War. The picturesque valley of Rock Creek is especially beautiful in the spring but this 1,754 acre forest, within 5 miles of the White House, offers a quiet respite from the bustle of urban life all year long for both Washingtonians and visitors to the Nation's Capital.


Contact Information

3545 Williamsburg Lane, NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-895-6000 - Headquarters
202-895-6070 - Visitor Information


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Getting There

By Plane
The local airports are Regan National, Dulles International and Batimore and Washington International.

By Car
From downtown DC, take the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway north to Beach Drive. Exit onto Beach Drive, north, and take it to Broad Branch Road, make a left and then a right onto Glover Road, follow the signs to the Nature Center.

By Plane
For public transportation to the Nature Center, take the red metroline to the Friendship Heights Metro stop, transfer to the E2 bus line
towards Fort Totten and get off at to Glover and Military Roads. Walk South on the trail up the hill to the Nature Center. Or take the red or green metroline to the Fort Totten Metro stop, transfer to the E2 bus line towards the Frendship Hieghts and get off at Glover and Military Roads.

Getting Around
The Nature Center and Rock Creek Horse Center are easily accessible from Military Road, south on Glover Road and follow the signs to the
Nature Center, about 1/4 mile.

Peirce Mill is easily accessible from Beach Drive, west on Tilden Street, cross the bridge and turn right into the parking lot.
From Connecticut Avenue, east on Tilden Street to bottom of hill, turn left into parking lot.

Old Stone House is accessible from M street in Georgetown, between 30th and 31st Streets.

Weather

Summers generally hot and humid. Winters are generally cold with variable precipitation


Activities

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.
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  • Biking
  • Educational Programs
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Bird Watching
  • Nature Walks
  • Stargazing
  • Cross Country Skiing

Recommended Activities
Hiking the forest trails, horseback riding, biking on designated trails, picnicking, golf, tennis, exercise trails, running and jogging.


 

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Find Hiking and Biking Trails
If you like to go hiking or biking, then don't forget to get a map and guidebook. Trails.com offers a great service that allows unlimited downloads of trail guides for a small monthly fee. They even have a 14 day free trial. Whether you are looking for day hikes, backpacking trails, mountain bike routes or just short nature stroll, they cover it all. So let Trails.com help plan your next outing.
RV Information
Are you planning on traveling with your RV? If you are, you should check out the Good Sam Club. The Good Sam Club offers discounts on camping, a free magazine subscription and great tips on traveling with your RV. You can also get a free no-obligation RV Insurance quote . Give them a look and enjoy your trip.
Gear Up For Your Trip
Once you have finished deciding where to go, it will be time to gear up. A great place for adventure travel gear is The National Geographic Store. They have all types of maps and guides to help finalize your vacation plans.