Rock Creek Trails
ROCK CREEK HIKER-BIKER TRAIL | ROCK CREEK REGIONAL PARK TRAILS
NOTE: the Rock Creek Hiker/Biker trail at Lake Frank from Avery Road S. to the first pedestrian bridge is under construction until June 29th. The trail will remain open during construction. Please use caution when using this portion of the trail. Work is being done by Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) in an effort to strengthen sewer lines and prevent future problems. - posted 5-21-13
Unless noted otherwise on the map, trails marked “Natural Surface” and “Hard Surface” are "Shared by All" trails which includes hikers, bikers and equestrians. Additional information about permitted uses of Park trails is available on our Trail User Information page.
Rock Creek Hiker/Biker Trail
This asphalt trail is one of the most popular trails in the Washington metro area. A recent extension of the trail south to Beach Drive allows users to continue into the District of Columbia where the National Park Service closes Beach Drive to automobiles on weekends and holidays. In 2007 the Rock Creek Hiker/Biker Trail joined Sligo Creek trail asa "National Recreation Trail" (pdf, 13KB).
Rock Creek Hiker/Biker Trail map (pdf)
Activities |
|
Location |
The Rock Creek Stream Valley. This linear trail extends from the DC line north to Rock Creek Regional Park, which is north of Rockville and west of Olney. |
Trail length/surface |
18.6 miles, asphalt surface. |
Trail characteristics |
Some hilly parts. Offers scenic views. The portion of the trail in Rock Creek Regional Park terminates at Lake Needwood where row boats, pedal boats and canoes can be rented in season. |
Drinking water |
Yes, at various parks along the trail. |
Restrooms |
Yes, at various points along the trail. |
|
See map. There are numerous parking lots along the trail. Most offer access to the trails. |
Contact |
Park Managers Office: 301-948-5053 |
Hiking, 
Biking and 
Rollerblading
Access
and parkingRock Creek Regional Park Trails
Lake Frank & Meadowside Trails | Lake Needwood Trails
Lake Frank & Meadowside Trails
There are 7 miles of natural surface hiking trails in this trail system. Meadowside Nature Center is a popular destination featuring exhibits oriented toward interpreting the natural and cultural histories of the area. Outdoor attractions include a pioneer homestead, a covered bridge, mill ruins and a raptor aviary.
Lake Frank & Meadowside Trails map (pdf )
Activities |
|
Location |
Rock Creek Regional Park. The main park entrance to the western side of the park is located south of Muncaster Mill Road at Meadowside Lane. The 7 mile natural surface trail system features a shoreline trail at Lake Bernard Frank, trails to Sunfish Pond and Pioneer Study Pond as well as several miles of nature trails. |
Trail length/surface |
Trail Length/Surface: Most of the 7 miles of trails are natural surface, the only exception being a portion of the Lakeside Trail which is hard surface. |
Trail characteristics |
Hiking Only on natural surface trails. A portion of the Lakeside Trail is hard surface and biking is permitted here. Shoreline fishing and hiking are available at Lake Frank from sunrise to sunset |
Drinking water |
Yes, at Meadowside Nature Center |
Restrooms |
Yes, at Meadowside Nature Center |
|
See map. There are numerous parking lots and all offer access to the trails |
Contact |
Park Managers Office: 301-495.2525 |
Access and parkingLake Needwood Trails
The Rock Creek Hiker-Biker Trail begins in this portion of Rock Creek Regional Park and extends southward for over 14 miles. A map of the Rock Creek Hiker Biker Trail is available on this web site. Natural surface trails follow the shoreline of Lake Needwood in Rock Creek Regional Park and also meander through adjoining forest. Rock Creek Regional Park offers many activities including boating on Lake Needwood, archery, picnic shelters and golf.
Lake Needwood Trails map (pdf)
Activities |
|
Location |
Rock Creek Regional Park. There are two entrances to the eastern portion of the park, one is south of Needwood Road at Beach Drive and the other is west of Avery Road on Needwood Lake Drive. |
Trail length/surface |
Natural surface trails total over 7 miles |
Trail characteristics |
Trails offer beautiful views of Lake Needwood but at the present time there is no way to walk around the lake due to the presence of Needwood Road at the northern end of the lake. At this time, the Gude Trail stops short of Gude Drive but there are plans to make the connection in the future. |
Drinking water |
Yes, near the picnic areas |
Restrooms |
Yes, near the picnic areas |
|
See map. There are numerous parking lots and all offer access to the trails |
Contact |
Park Manager's Office 301-948-5053 |
Last update: May 21, 2013
Montgomery County Department of Parks