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Rock Creek Park

Designation: Park

Location: District of Columbia

Visit Official Park Website

📘 Park Overview

Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation's capital. This 1,754 acre city park was officially authorized in 1890, making it the third national park to be designated by the federal government. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals, and thousands of years of human history.

🌤 Weather Information

Weather in D.C. is often erratic Spring: Pleasant, Avg. High: 67° Avg. Low: 44.3°, Avg. Precipitation: 12.1” Summer: Hot & Humid, Avg. High: 87°, Avg. Low: 66°, Avg. Precipitation: 12.7”, July is the hottest month Fall: Pleasant, Avg. High: 69°, Avg. Low: 48.3°, Avg. Precipitation: 11.6” Winter: Mild, Avg. High: 45°, Avg. Low: 27.3°, Avg. Precipitation: 9.3”, Avg. Snowfall: 15.4” January is coolest month Hurricanes may impact D.C. in late summer and fall Light droughts are not uncommon in summer

🚗 Directions

Ample parking for hiking, biking and visiting the Nature Center is located at 5200 Glover Rd, NW. Rock Creek Park is a large urban park stretching from the Maryland - DC border to the Potomac River. Rock Creek Park also administers 99 separate neighborhood small sites. A large network of public roads provide access to all points administered by Rock Creek Park.

Images

Stone bridge and fall leaves

Boulder Bridge in Rock Creek Park

Credit: NPS Photo

Water swirls around large boulders in a creek. Trees in autumn colors line the bank

Rock Creek in Autumn

Credit: NPS Photo/ K. Cain

a one story building nestled among green leafy trees

Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium

Credit: NPS Photo

Dark boulders scattered through a narrow creek. Green trees rise up on either bank.

Rock Creek

Credit: NPS Photo

A stone mill house

Peirce Mill

Credit: NPS Photo/Michael Zwelling

Activities

Topics

Operating Hours

Sunday
Sunrise to Sunset
Monday
Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Wednesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday
Sunrise to Sunset
Friday
Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday
Sunrise to Sunset

Entrance Fees

No entrance fees listed.

Entrance Passes

No entrance passes listed.

3-Day Weather Forecast

Tuesday, Mar 31

Sunny

Sunny

High: 86.7°F | Low: 60.4°F

Humidity: 49%

Wind: 14.3 mph

Rain Chance: 0%

UV Index: 1.4

Sunrise: 06:54 AM

Sunset: 07:31 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (95%)

Visibility: 6 mi

Dew Point: 62.8°F

Cloud Cover: 0%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Wednesday, Apr 1

Patchy rain nearby

Patchy rain nearby

High: 86.9°F | Low: 63.1°F

Humidity: 64%

Wind: 13 mph

Rain Chance: 80%

UV Index: 1.5

Sunrise: 06:53 AM

Sunset: 07:32 PM

Moon: Waxing Gibbous (99%)

Visibility: 5 mi

Dew Point: 65.1°F

Cloud Cover: 80%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Thursday, Apr 2

Moderate rain

Moderate rain

High: 67.3°F | Low: 55.9°F

Humidity: 83%

Wind: 10.5 mph

Rain Chance: 81%

UV Index: 0.8

Sunrise: 06:51 AM

Sunset: 07:33 PM

Moon: Full Moon (100%)

Visibility: 4 mi

Dew Point: 59.2°F

Cloud Cover: 81%

Pressure: N/A mb

Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A

Ozone: N/A

EPA Index: N/A

Weather Alerts (1)

⚠️ Test Message (Unknown)
▼

Effective: Mar 31, 2026 2:28pm
Expires: Mar 31, 2026 2:38pm

Monitoring message only. Please disregard.

Park Alerts

P Street Northwest Ramp to Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway is closed Park Closure
The P Street Northwest Ramp to Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway is closed until further notice due to sinkholes on the ramp that may compromise the roadway. Drivers should seek alternate routes.

More Info

Part of Fort Totten Park remains closed for public safety Park Closure
Out of an abundance of caution, Fort Totten Park will remain closed east of Fort Totten Drive, south of Gallatin Street/Metropolitan Branch Trail and north of Brookland Ave NE/Farragut St. due to the investigation involving two WWI-era munitions found.

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Nov 29: Clean-up along Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway Information
On Saturday, November 29 from 7:30 am to 11:30 am, NPS staff along with National Guard members will be doing a clean-up along Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway. There will not be any lane closures, only rolling stops. Please stay alert and be ready to slow down or change lanes to accommodate this work.
March 24 – April 3: Old Stone House will be closed Park Closure
The Old Stone House will be closed from March 24 through April 3 for rehabilitation work.
Glover Archbold Trail detour Danger
For visitor safety, the southern end of the Glover Archbold Trail is under an emergency closure until further notice due to aerial hazards. Please follow the posted detour along Foxhall Rd. / 44th St. NW / P St. NW.

More Info

Temporary closure of Thompson Boat Center parking lot and bridge Information
From approximately 5 pm on January 28 to 6 am on January 30, 2026, the Thompson Boat Center parking lot and bridge will be closed to pedestrians and vehicles.

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August 5: Temporary closure of Blagden Avenue NW Information
On August 5, from 9:30 am to 12 pm, Blagden Ave. NW in Rock Creek Park will be closed to motor vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians to allow for a hazardous tree to be removed. For safety, please abide by this closure and find alternate travel routes.
Part of Fort Totten Park remains closed for public safety Park Closure
Out of an abundance of caution, Fort Totten Park will remain closed east of Fort Totten Drive, south of Gallatin Street/Metropolitan Branch Trail and north of Brookland Ave NE/Farragut St. due to the investigation involving two WWI-era munitions found.

More Info

Water Main Break at Nature Center
There is a water main break in the area of the Nature Center. The Rock Creek Park Horse Center and the Nature Center do not have running water. There are no restrooms or drinking water available.
March 21: Temporary closure of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway Park Closure
Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway will be closed on March 21 from 5 am to 2 pm for a permitted event.
Stay alert for coyotes in Rock Creek Park Caution
Visitors may encounter coyotes within the park close to where coyotes have created a den and are raising their young. For your and your pet's safety, remain on official trails and keep your pet on leash at all times, as is required by law.

More Info

9/26-9/30: Temporary Closure of Multi-Use Trail, P St to Pennsylvania Ave. Information
From Friday, Sept. 26 at 8 pm until Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 5 am, the multi-use trail between P Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW will be closed for DC Water to conduct repair work. During the closure, please follow the signs which indicate a detour route.
Sun, Mar. 26: Piney Branch RD from Beach DR to 17th ST CLOSED from 9:30am-2:30pm for Pothole Repairs Information
On Sunday, March 26, Piney Branch Road NW will be closed from 9:30am-2:30pm for pothole repairs. Use 17th Street NW to access Park Road NW or Klingle Road NW as alternative routes. Road closure signs will be posted.
Feb 19: Temporary Closure on Multi-Use Trail at the Zoo Information
On February 19, the Multi-Use Trail will be closed at the Zoo while scheduled construction work occurs on Zoo property. Please consider an alternate route or detour into the tunnel during this closure.
Feb 20: Temporary closures on Ross Drive and Grant Road Information
On Friday, February 20, both Ross Drive NW and Grant Road NW will be closed for a portion of the day for hazard tree removal. Schedule: Ross Drive - 7 am to 9:30 am Grant Road - 9:30 am to 2 pm
Peirce Mill not operating on August13 Information
Due to needed repairs to recirculating pumps, the "Run of the Mill" program at Peirce Mill will not include a milling demonstration. Many family oriented activities are still scheduled for the day, including ice cream making demonstration.
Glover Archbold Trail detour Danger
For visitor safety, the southern end of the Glover Archbold Trail is under an emergency closure until further notice due to aerial hazards. Please follow the posted detour along Foxhall Rd. / 44th St. NW / P St. NW.

More Info

Jan 30: Temporary lane closure on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway Information
On January 30, from 10 am to 2 pm, the right southbound lane of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway will be closed north of Q Street NW to allow DC Water access to manholes in the grass just south of Lyons Mill Bridge.
Beach Drive Road Closure Information
On September 22, 2016, Beach Drive will be closed in both directions from Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW to Tilden St NW. For more information and detour maps please visit go.nps.gov/beachdrive.

More Info

Jan 29: Temporary closure of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway Information
From approximately 3 pm to 11:30 pm on January 29, 2026, Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway from Virginia Avenue NW to Shoreham Drive NW will be closed to all vehicles. This closure is for both northbound and southbound lanes.

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Nature Center closed through March 1 Park Closure
Due to plumbing issues and repairs, the Nature Center will be closed through March 1. Some outdoor programs that begin at the Nature Center will still occur. Please check the website calendar for details. Restrooms and water fountains are unavailable at this location due to the closure.
August 13 UPDATE: Road Closures due to flooding - clean-up underway
As of 10:30am August 13, the following roads are closed: Beach Drive from West Beach to the Maryland line; segments of bike trail adjacent to Rock Creek Pkwy from the Pennsylvania Ave exit to Broad Branch
9/26-9/30: Temporary Lane Closure on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway Information
From Friday, Sept. 26 at 8 pm until Monday, Sept. 29 at 5 am, the right southbound lane of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway will be closed between P Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW to allow DC Water to conduct repair work. There will also be a closure on the evening of Sept. 29 beginning at 8 pm and concluding at 5 am on Sept. 30.
March 23: Closure of Piney Branch Parkway Park Closure
Piney Branch Parkway is closed between 17th Street and Beach Drive NW due to downed trees in the roadway. The road will reopen once it is cleared.
Temporary Nighttime Road Closures for Deer Management Park Closure
From November 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, the NPS may temporarily close select park roads between 5 pm to 4 am to conduct deer management operations. Per the Rock Creek Park Superintendent’s Compendium, trails and other park areas close at sunset.

More Info

Valley Trail closed between Juniper Spur Trail and Holly Trail Danger
The Valley Trail is closed between the Juniper Spur and Holly trails due to unsafe conditions, including a downed tree across the trail. Please abide by trail closure signs.
Jan 28: Nature Center to open on a 1-hour delay Information
Due to winter weather impacts, the Rock Creek Park Nature Center will open on a one hour delay on January 28, 2026.
September 14: Closure on Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW Information
On Sunday, September 14, Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW will be closed from 5 am to 11 am for a permitted event. The closure includes all entry and exit ramps and the parkway from the Shoreham Drive intersections at Beach Drive NW, Cathedral Avenue NW, and Calvert Street NW, to Virginia Avenue NW at Thompson Boat Center. The parkway will also be closed south of Virginia Avenue NW, in the areas administered by the National Mall and Memorial Parks.

More Info

Beach Drive from Joyce Road to Broad Branch Road: Information
Thursday April 28 and Friday April 29, 2016, closed from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for road way milling and paving work. Saturday April 30, 2016 a single lane will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Temporary closure of portions of the Carter Barron parking lot Information
The south and southwest sections of the parking lot at the Carter Barron Amphitheater (US Reservation 339) are temporarily closed to allow the safe operation of District of Columbia snow storage activities as a result of Winter Storm Fern. See the Record of Determination for more information.

More Info

Feb 28 - Mar 1: Temporary closure on Beach Drive NW Information
On February 28 and March 1 from 8 am to 5 pm, Beach Drive between Park Road NW and Blagden Avenue NW will be closed for hazard tree removal, pruning, and vegetation management.
Picnic groves closed
The picnic groves 1, 6,7,8,9 and 10 in Rock Creek Park will be closed from Friday October 2 through Monday, October 5, 2015, due to the potential high winds and flooding from Hurricane Juaquin. All groves will be reopenned on Tuesday October 6.
Areas of Meridian Hill Park closed for repairs Park Closure
The lower plaza and areas surrounding the cascading fountain of Meridian Hill Park are closed while the park undergoes repairs. Sidewalks along W and 16th Streets remain open to pedestrians. A pathway between W Street NW, the James Buchanan Memorial, the Dante Statue, and the upper terrace is open but will close at a later date for work on the statues. Much of the upper level of the park will close in spring and summer 2026 to rehabilitate the grass.

More Info

March 28: Temporary closure of Wise Road Information
On March 28, 2026, from 6 am to 4 pm, Wise Road NW will be closed for asphalt repairs.
February 19, 2015: Park Comfort Station Closures
Due to frozen pipes and heat related issues, the following comfort stations have been temporarily closed: Grove 6, Grove 24 and Montrose Park.
LANE CLOSURE: Electrical Work between Tilden St and Park Rd Feb. 22-25 (9:30am - 3:45pm) Information
Expect temporary one lane closure on Southbound Beach Dr at the intersection of Tilden St and Park Rd. NO DETOUR. Follow flaggers' instructions. Please use caution while traveling through the vicinity. Expect delays.
Restrooms at Thompson Boat Center Information
The indoor restrooms of Thompson Boat Center continue to be closed due to repairs needed to a sewage line. Temporary restrooms with hand sanitizer remain available near the building and will be in place until the indoor restrooms reopen.
P Street Northwest Ramp to Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway is closed Park Closure
The P Street Northwest Ramp to Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway is closed until further notice due to sinkholes on the ramp that may compromise the roadway. Drivers should seek alternate routes.

More Info

March 17: Temporary closure of 17th Street for tree removal work Information
On Tuesday, March 17, 17th Street near Piney Branch Parkway will be closed for tree removal work.
Mar 27-30: Temporary Closures on Multi-Use Trail and Rock Creek Parkway Information
From March 27 at 8 pm to March 30 at 5 am, the right southbound lane of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway and the Multi-Use Trail south of P Street NW will be closed for DC Water work.

More Info

Closure on Joyce Road NW for bridge replacement Park Closure
Joyce Road NW is closed from the entrance of Rock Creek Park Golf Course to Missouri Ave NW while the bridge over Luzon Branch is replaced. Detours will be in place during the closure period.
Trail CLOSED Sunday Mar. 19 from 7am-5pm South of Intersection of Tilden St/Park Rd NW & Beach Drive Information
A tree crew will remove hazardous trees in the area between 7:00 a.m and 5:00 p.m. The multi-use trail will be closed just south of the intersection at Tilden St/Park Rd NW & Beach Drive.
August 7: Temporary Closure of Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail between P St and Pennsylvania Ave Information
On the evening of August 7 from 8 pm to 5 am, the multi-use trail between P Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW will be closed to allow DC Water to conduct pipe inspections. Please follow the signs which indicate a detour route.
Restrooms at Thompson Boat Center Information
The indoor restrooms of Thompson Boat Center continue to be closed due to repairs needed to a sewage line. Temporary restrooms with hand sanitizer remain available near the building and will be in place until the indoor restrooms reopen.
Beach Drive open for Driving Day on April 11, 2026 Information
On April 11, from 11 am to 4 pm, the entire length of Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park will be open for a scenic driving day for visitors who prefer to enjoy the park from their cars. Those who frequently bike or hike in these areas should plan accordingly.

More Info

September 5: Lane closure on Piney Branch Parkway Information
On September 5, from 9 am to 12 pm and again after evening rush hour, there will be a lane closure on Piney Branch Parkway to allow DC Water to conduct work on a combined sewer line that crosses through Rock Creek Park.
UPDATE: Park Roads may be closed due to flooding.
US Park Police and park staff will monitor all park roads for safety during this period of heavy rain and potential flooding. If you encounter standing water, please turn around, don't drown. Posted October 1, 2015 1:25 pm.
Picnic grove restrooms Information
The restrooms at the picnic groves throughout the park are currently closed. Portable comfort stations with handwashing stations are in place until they reopen.
September 13: Closure on Canal Road NW for vegetation maintenance Information
On Saturday, September 13, from 7 am to 2 pm, Canal Road NW will be closed between Foxhall Road and Arizona Avenue. This closure allows maintenance workers to safely do vegetation management, tree maintenance and mowing. There will still be access to Fletchers Boat House but only via Reservoir Road. Please visit the Conditions & Alerts page for detailed information about access for local traffic.

More Info

Park Events

Stellar Star Show

Come and enjoy a ranger-led program in the only planetarium in the National Park Service! The Stellar Star Show will be a 30-minute ranger-led program about the planets and the night sky.   

Recommended for ages 5 & up. 

Location: The planetarium is located in the Rock Creek Park Nature Center at 5200 Glover Rd. NW Washington, DC 20015

Date: Nov 15, 2025 12:00am to Nov 15, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Stellar Star Show

Come and enjoy a ranger-led program in the only planetarium in the National Park Service! The Stellar Star Show will be a 30-minute ranger-led program about the planets and the night sky.   

Recommended for ages 5 & up. 

Location: The planetarium is located in the Rock Creek Park Nature Center at 5200 Glover Rd. NW Washington, DC 20015

Date: Nov 15, 2025 12:00am to Nov 15, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Film - One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure

In this free planetarium show, join Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from "Zhima Jie", the Chinese co-production of Sesame Street. Together they take an imaginary trip from Sesame Street to the moon, where they discover how different it is from Earth. They also journey to Zhima Jie to learn about the similarities in our view of the sky.

This program runs 25 minutes and is appropriate for families with young children. Seating in the planetarium is limited. We will give out free place holder tickets 30 minutes in advance of each showing.

Location: The planetarium is located in the Rock Creek Park Nature Center at 5200 Glover Rd. NW Washington, DC 20015

Date: Dec 6, 2025 12:00am to Dec 6, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Friends of Peirce Mill Open House

Rock Creek Park's only remaining grist mill, Peirce Mill, will be open from 10pm to 4pm.  Stop in to see and hear what life in the mill was like during the 1800s.  Learn about local history and get tips for suggested hikes in the surrounding area.

Location: Peirce Mill is located at 2401 Tilden St NW

Date: Dec 7, 2025 12:00am to Dec 7, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Little Tyke Hike at Nature Center

Bring your little ones to learn about the forest and how to explore nature! This program includes books, animal puppets, magnifying glasses, and a very short hike. During the walk, children are encouraged to search for shapes and colors and use their senses to explore the forest. Recommended for families with children 6 and under. 

To accommodate more people and to add variety, the children’s programs will alternate between the Nature Center and Peirce Mill Barn every 2 weeks.  

Families with children ages 5 and under are welcome!  

Location: The Nature Center and Planetarium is located at 5200 Glover Rd NW

Date: Dec 12, 2025 12:00am to Dec 12, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Film - Audio Universe: Tour of the Solar System

Experience the Solar System like never before - by traveling on a spacecraft that can turn the objects in space into sound!

The audience of this stunning 35-minute show are transported inside a special spacecraft that takes them to the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (VLT) to view the stars in the night sky, before lifting them off into space to visit the Earth, Moon, Sun, and all the planets of the Solar System.

Unlike traditional planetarium shows, the soundtrack takes the lead role. Each of the objects in space are represented with sounds as well as being presented with the incredible 4K resolution visuals. The audience will listen to the stars appear and hear the planets orbit around their heads. This means that this show is an immersive experience that can be enjoyed irrespective of level of vision.

Seating in the planetarium is limited. Seating in the planetarium is limited. We will give out free place holder tickets 30 minutes in advance of each showing.

Location: The planetarium is located in the Rock Creek Park Nature Center at 5200 Glover Rd. NW Washington, DC 20015

Date: Dec 12, 2025 12:00am to Dec 12, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Mapping the Solar System

One of the first things we do when we explore is make a map of what we found. Learn about mapping our solar system from Earth to Jupiter’s moons in this planetarium program.   

Recommended for ages 5 & up.  

Arrive 30 minutes early to pick up a free place holder ticket for the show. 

Location: The planetarium is located in the Rock Creek Park Nature Center at 5200 Glover Rd. NW Washington, DC 20015

Date: Dec 13, 2025 12:00am to Dec 13, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Film - Sunstruck

Travel back to the beginning of time and experience the birth of the Sun. Discover how it came to support life, how it threatens life as we know it, and how its energy will one day fade away.  

Recommended for ages 8 and up. 

Location: The Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium is located at 5200 Glover Road NW

Date: Dec 13, 2025 12:00am to Dec 13, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Film - Seeing: A Photon's Journey

Follow the journey of a single photon as it is produced in a distant star, before travelling across the vast expanse of space to land on someone's retina. This fulldome planetarium show explores some of the fascinating processes of the cosmos, from astrophysics to the biology of the eye and brain. Funded through a generous grant from ZEISS, the show is narrated by astronomer and science communicator, Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Location: The Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium is located at 5200 Glover Road NW

Date: Dec 14, 2025 12:00am to Dec 14, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Books and Beyond with a Ranger at Peirce Barn

If you have a little one to take care of and are looking for something fun to do, come read and sing all about nature with a park ranger! This program includes nature books, animal puppets, body movements, and songs.  

To accommodate more people and to add variety, the children’s programs will alternate between the Nature Center and Peirce Mill Barn every 2 weeks.  

Families with children ages 5 and under are welcome!  

Location: Peirce Barn located next to Peirce Mill - 2401 Tilden St NW, Washington, DC.

Date: Dec 19, 2025 12:00am to Dec 19, 2025 12:00am

Paid Event

Visitor Center & Contacts

📍 Physical Address:
5200 Glover Rd, NW
Washington, DC 20015

🏤 Mailing Address:
5200 Glover Rd, NW
Washington, DC 20015

📞 Voice Phone: 202-895-6000

📞 Fax Phone: 2028956015

✉️ Email: rocr_superintendent@nps.gov

Park Location

👏 Fun Fact
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