Rock Creek Park – Rock Creek Trail loop from Silver Spring

Mountain biking trails

Rock Creek Park – Rock Creek Trail loop from Silver Spring

Easy

4.5

(1947)

5,545

riders

Rock Creek Park – Rock Creek Trail loop from Silver Spring

01:55

34.5km

200m

Mountain biking

Easy mountain bike ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 19, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 16.7 km for 111 m

After 17.5 km for 159 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

4.08 km

Rock Creek Park

Highlight • Forest

Rock Creek Park, spanning 1,754 acres, is a natural escape from city life, offering trails, wildlife, and historic landmarks. Founded by Congress in 1890, this national park features not only natural beauty but also family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore its flat paved trails, visit the Smithsonian National Zoo, or learn about history at the 19th-century Peirce Mill. Families can enjoy the Nature Center, and Discovery Room. The park also hosts stargazing at its planetarium, guided ranger walks, picnic spots, and opportunities to visit historic sites like Fort Stevens, where Lincoln stood during the Civil War.

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4.63 km

Joaquin Miller log cabin

Highlight • Monument

On Beach Drive, close to Military road. Picnic tables and rustic grill nearby. Bathroom and water fountain available. This is a picturesque cabin that reminds me of the little house on the prairie.

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8.24 km

Peirce Mill

Highlight • Monument

Peirce Mill, built in 1829 by Isaac Peirce on Rock Creek, once used water to power this mill that processed corn, wheat, and rye until its turbine shaft broke in 1897. Situated on a 960-acre plantation operated with slave labor, the mill became part of Rock Creek Park in 1890 through an Act of Congress. By the early 1900s, park managers enhanced the site with roads, bridges, and a dam. The New Deal legislation gave Rock Creek Park to the National Park Service in 1933, and the mill was restored. Today, visitors can explore the site, which includes parking, a visitor center, bathrooms, and a picnic area, as part of Rock Creek Park’s year-round attractions.

Tip by

15.4 km

C&O Canal Mile Marker 0

Highlight • Trail

This point marks the start of the 185-mile C&O Canal Towpath Trail that runs from Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. Originally built as a way for mules to tow boats along the canal, it is now converted into a multi-use trail for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes.

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15.8 km

Rock Creek Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Rock Creek Trail is a popular spot for foot traffic. Starting from the parking lot off Virginia Avenue, the paved path follows Rock Creek, passing landmarks like the William Howard Taft Bridge and Peirce Mill. Along the route hikers can find picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking fountains. Open year-round, the trail welcomes dogs, with some areas allowing off-leash.

Tip by

16.0 km

View of the Georgetown Waterfront

Highlight • Viewpoint

The cycle path leading here offers magnificent views of the city at any time of the day or night almost along its entire length.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

17.6 km

Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool

Highlight • Monument

The Lincoln Memorial and adjoining reflecting pool are another must-see when visiting Washington. Of course, the mall is perfect for a run and early in the morning you have "Abe" all to yourself. After all, an advantage of the jet lag - getting up early in the first days is very easy!

Translated by Google •

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