Stone bridge and fall leaves

Park

Rock Creek Park

visit on nps.gov

Info

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.

Park Photos

Stone bridge and fall leaves
1 of 5

Boulder Bridge in Rock Creek Park

Credit: NPS Photo

Stone bridge and fall leaves
Water swirls around large boulders in a creek. Trees in autumn colors line the bank
a one story building nestled among green leafy trees
Dark boulders scattered through a narrow creek. Green trees rise up on either bank.
A stone mill house

Activities

Auto and ATV
Scenic Driving
Biking
Picnicking
Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horseback Riding
Playground
Arts and Culture
Live Music
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Junior Ranger Program
Museum Exhibits
Bookstore and Park Store
Astronomy
Planetarium
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Fishing
Paddling
Canoeing
Kayaking
Golf
Food
Shopping

Operating Hours

Unless otherwise designated, all park land is open sunrise to sunset. Roads are open 24 hours unless posted otherwise.

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

Weather info

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