Rock Creek Park

Welcome to the audio-described version of Rock Creek Park's official print brochure. Through text and audio descriptions of photos, illustrations, and maps, this version interprets the two-sided color brochure that Rock Creek Park visitors receive. The brochure explores the history of the park, some of its highlights, and information for planning your visit. This audio version lasts about 1 hour and 31 minutes which we have divided into 39 sections, as a way to improve the listening experience. Sections 1 through 18 cover the front of the brochure and include information regarding the history of the park and the natural environment. Sections 19 through 39 cover the back of the brochure which describes a large map of the park, goes over highlights of places to visit, and recreational opportunities. 

The front side of the brochure orients visitors to Rock Creek Park, explains its location within Washington, DC, how it was designed, the wild side of the park, and the history of the region. 

It features images of the park, historic sketches, and maps. The text, associated maps and photo descriptions are presented under their own sections. In addition to the map and photo descriptions, the text sections provide many descriptive details about what the areas look like and information about the site's history and cultural understandings.

IMAGE: Rock Creek in the fall 

DESCRIBING: Large photograph spanning entire upper third of page.

SYNOPSIS: The photograph shows Rock Creek flowing through a forest in Rock Creek Park. The creek is large and filled with rocks. The creek flows toward the camera over the many rocks and trees line the background and upper third of the photograph. The creek is visible starting at the center of the photograph. At the part of the creek closest to the camera, the water fills the bottom edge of the photo, from the left to right edges. The picture was taken in the daytime, during the fall season. The leaves on the trees are of various autumn colors, creating a bright patchwork of red, orange, and yellow. 

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The creek is full of many rocks and boulders, all of different sizes and shapes. The rocks sit jumbled and scattered in the water, creating a maze of stone for the water to flow through. The smallest rocks are the size of footballs, and the largest the size of a very small car. Most of the rocks are longer than they are high, and some have flatter edges or small fractures (wrinkle-like lines). Some of them have chunks carved out, creating dark cavities. However, all rocks have edges worn down by the flowing water. The rocks are varying shades of gray. They are dappled and speckled with tan, blue-gray, brown, and dark gray undertones. Some are covered in a thin film of bumpy, yellow-green moss, and others are spotted with pale patches of lichen.

The creek water appears to be flowing quickly, forming small rapids. The water is very clear, with the brown color of the stream’s pebbly bottom visible underneath the water’s surface. The water splashing against rocks and falling over ledges creates a fine white spray of mist that flows around the creek rapids. Some areas of the water look white-blue, perhaps reflecting the sky, which cannot be seen in the picture. Other than the many rocks, the river is mostly clear of debris and obstacles. Only a few brown-orange husks of fallen leaves, still attached to wispy twigs, are caught on some of the rocks. 

Behind and surrounding the creek in the background is a vivid deciduous forest. The leaves are bright with red, yellow, and orange hues. The trees are large, stretching out of the frame. Some are over two stories tall. All have dark brown trunks and thinning foliage in brilliant colors of red-orange, golden-yellow, and pockets of light green. The forest floor is covered with fallen leaves which create a carpet of red and orange with yellow speckles. 

At the very bottom of this side of the brochure, there is a thin horizontal photo that creates a strip along the bottom edge. This image appears to be a continuation of the larger photo of Rock Creek. It seems to serve as a frame for the text and image content that occupies the lower two thirds of the brochure. Only a glimpse of water, rocks, and fallen leaves are seen.

CAPTION: Rock Creek in autumn

CREDIT: Dave Lyons

RELATED TEXT: One look at Rock Creek, and you can see how it got its name. Boulders of all sizes guide the water’s path and create rapids. Cross one of the park's many bridges made of stone and wonder how these rocks were formed.

Most of the rocks are ancient granite formed by volcanic forces and aged through pressure and time. Erosion from the creek’s waters has slowly revealed the rocks and continues to shape them.

The Natural Heart of the Nation’s Capital

Washington, DC, bustles with visitors from around the world along with almost 700,000 residents. All are within a few miles of Rock Creek Park. Few know that this ribbon of forest, parkland, parkway, and trails is a national park. Set aside in 1890, it was the first urban national park.

Rock Creek Park was established to protect the natural and historic landscape of Rock Creek Valley and to be a “pleasure ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the United States.” The park now includes other small valleys, urban parks, and historic sites. Together they showcase the many kinds of stories that national parks protect and honor. Here you can explore human history, conflict, and progress. See native plants and animals of the area. Engage in hiking, bicycling, and many other activities.

Welcome to the natural heart of this international city.

DESCRIBING: Small, vertical map. 

SYNOPSIS: The rectangular map shows the Piedmont and Coastal Plain geologic provinces and which states are part of which province. Geologic provinces are regions which are differentiated from each other by their physical, environmental, and geologic features. The map is oriented with north at the top and shows the area between Pennsylvania and North Carolina and West Virginia and the Atlantic Ocean. The Piedmont and Coastal Plain stretch from the northeast corner to the southwest corner of the map. The District of Columbia is located on the border between the Piedmont and Coastal Plain provinces, between southwest Maryland and northeast Virginia.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The map shows the southern half of Pennsylvania; most of New Jersey except for its eastern edge; the eastern half of West Virginia; all of Maryland, the District of Columbia (DC) and Delaware; the eastern two-thirds of Virginia; and the northern third of North Carolina. The borders of the states are delineated in dashed, light gray lines. The District of Columbia is differentiated from the other states. Although the states’ names are in plain black, the District of Columbia’s name is in bolded white text. The DC area is located on the border of south-central Maryland and northeast Virginia, on a river. The area is delineated with three white dashed lines forming a shape like a diamond missing one side.

The Piedmont stretches across the map, denoted with a green color. From the northeast to southwest corners of the map, its shape is first narrow in New Jersey and widens slightly as one moves southwest along the southeast corner of Pennsylvania. The Piedmont then narrows as one moves southwest through central Maryland and the northwest corner of DC. Finally, as one moves southwest through Virginia and into North Carolina, the Piedmont widens dramatically, tripling its thickness from the north to south Virginia.

The Coastal Plain encompasses the shoreline region between the Piedmont, to its west, and the Atlantic Ocean, to its east. The Coastal Plain province is denoted in two colors, a brown-tan color for its northern half and a very light tan color for its southern half. The northern part includes most of New Jersey, Delaware, and eastern Maryland. The southern part includes eastern Virginia and eastern North Carolina.

The District of Columbia sits on the border of the Piedmont and Coastal Plain provinces. The northwest corner of DC lies in the Piedmont province while the southeast corner is in the Coastal Plains. The two provinces meet in the upper half of DC, roughly where Rock Creek Park is located.

The areas of the states west of the Piedmont are a very light tan color, with darker tan areas indicating the topography.

Part of the Atlantic Ocean is visible on the map. Its coastline stretches around the southern half of New Jersey; along the eastern border of Delaware; up and out of two long, jagged bays in Maryland that turn into rivers, passing by the District of Columbia; along the eastern coast of Virginia with three large rivers feeding into the ocean; and down the eastern coast of North Carolina.

The map also shows unnamed rivers. All the rivers on the map are oriented in a northwest to southeast direction, feeding into the Atlantic Ocean. The exception is in the northwest corner of the map, a small portion of a river in western Pennsylvania is visible. It curves around this corner of the map, its starting and end points not visible on the map. Another river is located about one-third of the state inland from its eastern border. The river’s origin is not visible, but it flows southeast into Maryland, connecting to a large bay. The three rivers in Virginia all originate in Virginia, roughly on the same longitude as the District of Columbia. The river in North Carolina originates just north of the border between North Carolina and Virginia, on the longitude a little west of the eastern tip of West Virginia.

QUOTE: Exploring the Park’s Wild Side. "One can hear the soft water sounds of a stream on its way to the river and sea." - Rachel Carson, scientist and author

RELATED TEXT: Rock Creek Valley lies at the boundary of two geologic provinces, the Piedmont and the Coastal Plain. You’ll find plants and animals from both provinces here, and from ecosystems like forests and floodplains.

As you walk or ride a horse along the trails, enjoy the variety of life here. Count the birds, insects, or frogs you hear. Watch for movement in the shadows. Spend time watching the water; you will likely see fish and aquatic insects.

As you walk or ride a horse along the trails, enjoy the variety of life here. Count the birds, insects, or frogs you hear. Watch for movement in the shadows. Spend time watching the water; you will likely see fish and aquatic insects.

Each season has its own surprises. Spring brings out the rare spotted salamander (above left) to mate near short-lived ponds. As spring moves into summer, bats frequent the night skies in search of flying insects. Walk on trails shaded by tall oaks and tulip poplars. In autumn, their leaves and those from shrubs and grasses create a riot of color. Winter brings rain and occasional snow to imbue a depth of quiet rare in this international city.

IMAGE 1 of 8: American beech tree leaves

DESCRIBING: color image 

SYNOPSIS: A color image of a group of American Beech Tree leaves. Four golden leaves are connected by a thin brown stem. The leaves range from burnt golden to a bright yellow with a dark orange hue at the tip of the leaf. Sunlight is gleaming through the leaves, making the leaf behind the front one appear darker. The leaves are smooth almond shaped and have jagged edges. They are three to six inches in length.

CAPTION: American beech tree leaves

CREDIT: Phillip Bower

IMAGE 2 of 8: vintage postcard of Taft Bridge over Rock Creek

DESCRIBING: image of a white-bordered vintage color postcard depicting a park landscape

SYNOPSIS: The scene on the postcard shows a place in Rock Creek Park where the natural and urban landscapes intertwine. A concrete bridge with seven arches rises high above the greenspace below. In the foreground there is a sloped grassy area with a few large rocks jutting out. Small trees are scattered along the slope. There is a tree-lined creek that runs under part of the bridge. The sky is light blue and has faint clouds. Red text along the top of the card reads “Connecticut Avenue Bridge, Washington, D.C.”

CAPTION: vintage postcard of Taft Bridge over Rock Creek

CREDIT: Historical Society of Washington, DC

IMAGE 3 of 8: Monarch butterfly

DESCRIBING: color image

SYNOPSIS: The butterfly's delicate wings are spread out as it peacefully lays on the surface. Its wings are vivid orange with a black vein pattern throughout and white spots along the edges. Its head has a few white spots. The wings meet along its slender black body.

CAPTION: monarch butterfly

CREDIT: Ken Slade

IMAGE 4 of 8: Vintage postcard of Piney Branch Bridge

DESCRIBING: image of a white-bordered vintage color postcard depicting a park landscape

SYNOPSIS: The scene on the postcard shows a scenic view of a carriage drawn by two horses on a dirt road. The horses are about to cross a stone bridge. Tall green trees line both sides of the road and blend into a larger forested area. A gentle stream runs underneath the bridge to one side. There is a small portion of sky in the image, which is a light blue with faint clouds across it. Red text along the top of the card reads “Rock Creek Park. Showing Piney Branch Bridge, Washington, D.C.”

CAPTION: vintage postcard of Piney Branch Bridge

CREDIT: Historical Society of Washington, DC

IMAGE 5 of 8: White oak leaves

DESCRIBING: color image

SYNOPSIS: Two multi-colored white oak leaves are connected by a thin ashy brown stem. The leaf shape is oblong with finger-like lobes. The color ranges from a milk chocolate brown on the outside transitioning to a burnt yellow, then green, nearing the center line that runs through the long side. Each leaf is typically five to nine inches long and two to four inches wide.

CAPTION: white oak leaves

CREDIT: Wikimedia Commons / NINJATACOSHELL

IMAGE 6 of 8: Spotted salamander

DESCRIBING: color image 

SYNOPSIS: The wet amphibian blankly gazes ahead as if it was standing right before us. The salamander has a moist dark skin tone and yellow spots that appear in two parallel lines that start at the top of its head and go toward the end of its tail. It also has small speckled yellow and orange spots toward the lower abdomen. The salamander has four toes on the front legs and five elongated toes on its back legs. Its eyes are so dark you can’t see the salamander’s iris. The salamander curves its body in such a way that showcases the entire body. Spotted salamanders range in size from six to ten inches.

CAPTION: Spotted salamander

CREDIT: Reptiles Alive LLC

IMAGE 7 of 8: Boulder Bridge in winter

DESCRIBING: Small rectangular color photograph

SYNOPSIS: Boulder Bridge is a well-worn, rustic, natural stone bridge that spans Rock Creek. Made of the boulders from the park, it complements the surrounding woodlands. The bridge and the woodlands are blanketed in snow indicating that it is winter. 

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: Boulder Bridge is a popular location in Rock Creek Park for its iconic scenery. The bridge is made of medium size boulders, roughly the size of small beanbag cushions. The boulders come in various hues of gray, brown, and tan. The underside of the bridge is made of rectangular stones that are taller than they are wide, and which form an arch. Additional boulders are stacked on top of the arch in a random pattern to form a bridge shape. Although you cannot see the path, the bridge is about two lanes of traffic wide and paved. However, motor vehicles are prohibited from crossing bridge. The parapet -- the lip of the bridge that prevents people from falling off -- reaches roughly the hip of an average adult. The bridge spans a wider portion of Rock Creek, about ten to twenty feet or three to six meters.

Nestled in the woods, the bridge and the surrounding area is blanketed in several inches of soft, fresh snow. Thin trees are scattered along the riverbank before Boulder Bridge. They have lost most of their leaves. The branches and remaining dead leaves are dusted white. Despite the cold, the creek still flows under the bridge, only obstructed by the occasional snow-covered boulder which the water swirls around. The water shifts between shades of tan, gray, and blue as it reflects its surroundings. The creek’s path disappears under the bridge as it curves to the right. Behind the bridge, is the rest of the woodlands. Tall, skinny, leafless trees stretch up from the snow-covered ground to the light blue sky which holds small wispy clouds.

CAPTION: Boulder Bridge in winter.

CREDIT: John B Aggaley 

RELATED TEXT: Winter brings rain and occasional snow to imbue a depth of quiet, rare in this international city.

IMAGE 8 of 8: Horses being led on a morning walk

DESCRIBING: A small, rectangular color photograph.

SYNOPSIS: As seen from behind, four large horses are each being led by a person walking next to them. They are walking on a paved trail that leads out of the surrounding woodlands.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: Four chestnut brown horses are walking down a paved path, away from the camera. The hair on all of the horses' legs below the knee is white. Their tails are the same chestnut brown as their fur. Their heads are tilted downwards as each horse is being led by an individual on their left. The horses' shoulders reach the top of the individuals' heads. All of the horses have saddles on them, however there are no riders in the saddles. The horses walk in a line, behind one another, with at least one-horse length between them. However, the path is wide enough that they could walk two horses next to each other with ample room.

The three individuals furthest from the camera are dressed in all black clothing. They’re wearing pants, long-sleeved shirts, and riding helmets. The helmets are hard, black domed with a small two-inch bill to shade the wearers' eyes with straps that travel from the helmets' sides and connect under the wearers' chins. The individual closest to the camera is wearing dark pants, a black helmet, and a jacket that is mostly black with a thin white strip at the bottom of the jacket and a thick white strip and thin red strip spanning the distance between the shoulders.

The path that everyone is walking is paved and curves off to the left with a small curb separating it from the surrounding woodlands. Green grass, littered with brown and red leaves, surrounds the path. Trees of various sizes are scattered in the grass and extend out of sight. The number of trees thins further down the path. Their leaves are a mixture of reds, oranges, and yellows. Sunlight streams through the trees making shadows elongate to the left. In the distance, a wooden fence can be seen enclosing a large grassy area. The fence is made up of spread-out wooden posts with two rows of planks that stretch between them.

CAPTION: Horses being led on a morning walk

CREDIT: NPS / ROCR

RELATED TEXT: As you walk or ride a horse along the trails, enjoy the variety of life here.

IMAGE 1 of 2: Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.

DESCRIBING: An oval-shaped black and white headshot photograph. 

SYNOPSIS: Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. is shown from the chest up. 

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: He is a middle-aged Caucasian man wearing a dark suit, white dress shirt, and a tie. He wears a circular pin on his right lapel. He has clean cut dark hair and a receding hairline. He wears thin-framed glasses and is looking to his left, with a serious yet kind look on his face. 

CREDIT: NPS / FRLA Olmsted Archive 

IMAGE 2 of 2: John Charles Olmsted

DESCRIBING: An oval-shaped black and white headshot photograph.

SYNOPSIS: John Charles Olmsted is shown from the chest up. 

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: He is a middle-aged Caucasian man wearing a dark suit jacket, a white dress shirt with a raised collar, and a dark, thin necktie. He has a light-colored beard and mustache and he is wearing thin-framed glasses. His hair is also light in color, and he has a receding hairline. He is looking to his right with a somber expression. 

CREDIT: NPS / FRLA Olmsted Archive

RELATED TEXT:  Designing Rock Creek Park in 1918

The Olmsted brothers, Frederick Law Jr. and John Charles, wrote a report in 1918 advising how to develop Rock Creek Park. In the 1800s, their father, Frederick Law Sr., who designed Central Park in New York City, supported establishing the park. They identified six distinct areas the river valley “backbone”; a flat area “admirably adapted for . . . [sports] and band concerts”; woodlands perfect for trails; an overgrown farm that could be turned into a meadow; and “a meandering meadow bordered by the creek on one side and by dense forest on all sides—an element of extreme beauty and interest in the landscape.” 

Some of their ideas were adopted. See if you can identify them as you explore the park.

DESCRIBING: Vertical color map diagram

SYNOPSIS: The map shows the original borders of Rock Creek Park. Various types of landscape within the park are denoted by differing shades of green and letters labeling each section. The path of Rock Creek and a few roads are also shown.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The map of Rock Creek Park is on the left side of the graphic and key to the right of the map corresponds to the varies shades of green and letter labels of the map. It depicts the area of the park that stretches between the DC-Maryland border to the north and Park Road to the south. It shows Military Road bisecting the park from east to west, 16th Street along the eastern border, and Tilden Street passes through the park at its narrowest point, at an angle that runs from northwest to southeast where it connects with Park Road. The park is oblong with its widest point just below the middle, south of Military Road, and its narrowest point at the southern-most end. A blue squiggly line indicates Rock Creek which flows into the park from the northwest and snakes its way south through the park on its east side.

Text to the right of the map reads, Rock Creek Park Washington DC; Diagram showing Primary Divisions of Landscape and Administration; Report of Olmsted Brothers Submitted December 1918.

The types of landscapes are labeled A – Valley section, B – Plateau recreation ground, C – Woodland for intensive use, D – Open hillside, E – Wild woodland, and F – Meadow park. The Valley section is shown on the map as encompassing the entire southern tip of the park but at the park widens to the north, the Valley section stay close to and parallels the creek almost all the way to the DC-Maryland border. It is also close to and parallels Military Road and some of the western border of the park south of Military Road. The Plateau recreation ground begins as the park widens on the eastern side of the park. It is south of Military Road and lies between the Valley section and Rock Creek to its west and 16th street to its east. The Woodland for intensive use landscape is located south of Military Road and is between the Valley section that is along the park’s western border and the along Rock Creek. The Open hillside area is on the eastern side of the park, north of Military Road with Rock Creek and part of the Valley section to its west and 16th Street to its east. The Wild woodland encompasses most the northern section of the park. On the western side of Rock Creek is stretches from above the Valley section near Military Road all the way to where Rock Creek is at the Maryland state line. There is also an area of Wild woodland east of Rock Creek, to the north of the Open hillside area. Finally, the Meadow park area is a smaller area, nestled between Rock Creek to its south and the DC-Maryland border to its north.

For more than 10,000 years, people have come to this valley for its fish and wildlife, plants, and rocks. Ancient hunters left piles of stone chips from making spears and other weapons and tools.

As early as 4,000 years ago, people were growing food here. Until a few hundred years ago, Algonkian people came here to hunt and seek shelter from winter’s winds and storms. 

IMAGE 1 of 2: Herring

DESCRIBING: a color cutout image 

SYNOPSIS: This 8-12 inch streamlined fish has silver colored scales that are metallic iridescent with hues of green, orange, blue, and purple scattered along its body. The tail is V shaped and the head is metallic silver.

CAPTION: Herring

CREDIT: USFWS / Duane Raver 

RELATED TEXT: For more than 10,000 years, people have come to this valley for its fish and wildlife, plants, and rocks.

QUOTE: "Herrings come up in such abundance into their brooks and fords that it is almost impossible to ride through without treading on them.” Robert Beverley, 1700s scientist

IMAGE 2 of 2: Projectile Points

DESCRIBING: color cutout images 

SYNOPSIS: A color photo of three prehistoric stones of differing sizes that have been carved and made into projectiles to be used as weapons and tools. The stones are cream quartz with hues of orange and gray. One looks to be an arrowhead and the others spearheads.

CAPTION: Projectile Points

CREDIT: NPS

RELATED TEXT: Ancient hunters left piles of stone chips from making spears and other weapons and tools.

DESCRIBING: square color photograph

SYNOPSIS: Front view of a 3-story stone building from the 1700s. It has white trim windows and shutters, a gray slate roof and a brick chimney. A first floor door is accessed from underneath a white wooden porch and staircase, which leads to a second floor door.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The stones of the building are blue granite and fieldstone. These range in color from a blue-gray to a brown-gray. Starting at the bottom of the building there is a white door in the middle and a window with white, open shutters to its right. To the left of the door is the staircase that leads to a porch and a second floor door, which is directly above the first floor door. There are two windows on the second floor, spaced equally left and right of the door. The dark slate pitched roof has two dormer windows, indicating a third story or attic space in the building. The dormers are directly in line with the two windows below on the second floor. A red brick chimney is shown to the far right of the building above the roofline. In the foreground is a red brick sidewalk and a tall black lamp post with a flower basket hanging off of it.

CAPTION: Old Stone House

CREDIT: Chuck Pefley 

RELATED TEXT: Europeans arrived in the 1600s, drawn by the fresh water, fish, and wildlife. A city began to form during the 1700s. Visit the Old Stone House to see how the colonial middle class and their slaves lived. 

IMAGE 1 of 2: Peirce Mill

DESCRIBING: horizontal color photograph

SYNOPSIS: An 1800s stone mill. The four-story stone building, appearing to be original brown and gray stones, consists of a basement, two main stories, and an attic. The back side of the building, shown prominently in the photo, has eight windows and one door. The right side of the building has two windows per floor except the basement. Adjacent to the building at the basement level is a waterwheel.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The stones of the building are various shades of brown and gray, many with white mortar between them. The windows all have white trim. The outside of the attic is white wooden siding. The roof is made of gray slate and has a red brick chimney coming out of the far left side. At the basement level is a door opening and windows are equally spaced to the right and left. On the main two floors above, the windows are directly above or in line with the door opening and windows below. The one-story waterwheel consists of brown wooden slats with openings where the water can flow through and move the wheel. Coming off the left right corner of the building is a wooden rail fence atop a stone wall that separates the lawn in front of the mill from the mill race that is filled with water. In the background, behind the mill, is another stone building.

CAPTION: Peirce Mill

CREDIT: Avie Schneider

IMAGE 2 of 2: Fort Stevens

DESCRIBING: black and white vertical photograph from 1865

SYNOPSIS: Photograph depicting a group of Union soldiers from the Civil War, posing for the camera as they stand on the grounds of Fort Stevens. They are standing near artillery pieces. The image is taken from a 45-degree angle at an elevation above the men.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: A group of about 18 soldiers stand next to cannons and ammunition wagons. They stand in formation with men surrounding a cannon and others between the cannon and the caisson wagons. Officers with swords stand slightly off to the side. They look as if they were about to practice artillery drills. The cannons, wagons and artillery soldiers stand upon dirt or gravel flat surfaces while the officers are standing in a grassy area. In the mid-background of the image are two larger cannons. They are slightly elevated on slopes and positioned to face outside of the fort. There are cutouts for their barrels along a solid, fortified white wall. A tall tree with white fencing around it is inside of the fort. In the background is an open field spotted with trees and faint mountains are in the distance.

CAPTION: Fort Stevens

CREDIT: Library of Congress

RELATED TEXT: Peirce Mill operated in the 1800s. The Peirce family used enslaved laborers until the Civil War freed them. Forts were built on hills above the valley to protect the city.

IMAGE 1 of 4: Meridian Hill Park

DESCRIBING: horizontal color photograph

SYNOPSIS: A 13 tiered, 300 foot long cascading waterfall fountain made of brown concrete. The waterfall flows down the middle of the fountain and 13 water basin steps are on either side. It is surrounded by a greenscape of lawns and lush trees. A large retaining pool is at the bottom of the fountain. Four people are sitting along the concrete edge of the reflecting pond.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The cascading fountain flows downward through 13 concrete water basins. Each basin is two feet deep. The thirteen basins lead into a pool at the bottom of the fountain. A set of stairs is located on each side of the fountain. At the end of each staircase there are low arches framing another fountain. Beyond the outer edges of the staircases are green spaces of grassy slopes, shrubs and trees. People are sitting in front of the fountain.

CAPTION: Meridian Hill Park, a National Historic Landmark

CREDIT: Library of Congress / Jack Boucher 

RELATED TEXT: Beginning in the 1900s, Rock Creek Park grew as it added small parks like Meridian Hill and Dumbarton Oaks. Meridian Hill’s history includes being the rallying site for 1960s civil rights marches.

IMAGE 2 of 4: Beatrix Farrand

DESCRIBING: black and white photograph, in an oval shape

SYNOPSIS: A headshot portrait of a woman, from her shoulders up

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: Black and white photograph of an older white woman. She appears to be in her 50s or older. She has a thoughtful look on her face. She’s neither smiling nor frowning as she looks slightly to her left. Her hair is dark and wavy. It is either very short or is pulled back behind her head. She has a widow’s peak on her forehead. She wears a snug, dark, ribbon-like necklace around her throat. A light chain or rope-like necklace with what appears to be a pearl pendant peeks out from under her white collar.

CAPTION: Beatrix Farrand

CREDIT: Environmental Design Archives, UC Berkeley 

RELATED TEXT: Beatrix Farrand, landscape architect, created Dumbarton Oaks’ peaceful paths. She said, ”The essence of the enjoyment of a garden is that things should look as though they like to grow in it.”

IMAGE 3 of 4: Dumbarton Oaks

DESCRIBING: vertical color photograph

SYNOPSIS: A weathered concrete stone wall with a decorative, black wrought iron metal gate. Through the gate is a stone staircase leading into a green garden landscape.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The focal point of the photo is the arched metal gate within the stone wall. The gate appears to be made of black wrought iron. Its vertical bars have enough space between them so as to see through to the other side. The top rounded section of the gate is more decorative as the metal curves and intertwines. The wall surrounding the gate appears to be made of quarried stones. The stones form an arch that the gate fits into.

CAPTION: Dumbarton Oaks

CREDIT: NPS / Melinda Schmitt 

IMAGE 4 of 4: Virginia bluebells
DESCRIBING: A color cutout image 

SYNOPSIS: Blue-purple trumpet shaped flowers with green leaves.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: Two sets of bluebell flowers next to each other. Each set has 4-5 fully bloomed purple-blue flowers and six or more dark pink flowers still developing. When in full bloom the purple-blue flowers are trumpet shaped, with a slender base that expands to a wider bell-like opening. The flowers attach at the base to a group of larger almond-shaped green leaves. Typical size of the fully bloomed flower is 1-2 inches in length.

CAPTION: Virginia bluebells

CREDIT: Bernie Kasper 

IMAGE: 2000s: Georgetown Waterfront Park 

DESCRIBING: A small, square, colored photograph. 

SYNOPSIS: An urban park stretches along the Potomac River. Open green space, walkways, benches, and landscaping define the area as a welcoming, public area. 

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: This image of the Georgetown Waterfront Park was taken from a high vantage point to display the sprawl of greenspace and public amenities. From left to right in the image is a large, open bright green grass lawn; a dark gray, man-made concrete and metal path that follows the riverbank; and then the Potomac River on the right.

The grassy lawn is mostly flat and expansive. Smaller concrete paths that are perpendicular to the river cut across the lawn and connect to the main walkway along the river. Trees are planted in the grass, along the edges of the paths that are not against the river. The trees are tall, with dense, bright green leaves. Benches, trashcans, and streetlights are also periodically located along the paths in-between the trees. 

In the middle of the lawn is a large, round circle inset into the grass. This is a patio. The patio is made of gray and light green concrete blocks, arranged in a two-dimensional maze design. It serves as a labyrinth. Behind the lawn, various manmade structures are in the background. 

The walkway forms a shape similar to an “S,” but with right angles instead of curves. The walkway sits several feet higher than the Potomac River, to account for any rise in the river’s water levels. The edge of the walkway does not gradually lead into river but instead is a vertical drop off ledge into the water. The exception to this is that along the walkway, at the inner curve of the top curve of the “S,” there is a gentle slope leading to the river’s edge. This hill is made of brown rocks with greenery lining the side of the slope next to the walkway. 

Glass fences line the edge of the path on the side of the river, preventing people from falling off into the river or accessing the slope to the water. At the edge of the walkway on the far right that is closest to the camera, that would make up the lower “curve” of the “S,” there is no fence. Instead, there are several green leafy bushes and grassy yellow-green shrubs with orange-pink tips along the edge, separating the path from the river. These plants add a bit of color to the various shades of green and gray. 

On the walkway, around the part of the “S” where to two curves meet, there is a flat art installation on the path. This is a low, wedge-shaped piece of dark granite with etching in the stone. It is oriented so the high end of the wedge is facing the river. 

Finally, the river is brown and green, reflecting the park’s green trees and the tan-brown foundations of the walkway. Parts of the water’s surface are also blue, reflecting the sky.  

CAPTION: Georgetown Waterfront Park

CREDIT: NPS

RELATED TEXT: In the 2000s, the National Park Service joined with the city and park partners to rejuvenate a stretch of Potomac River waterfront. It is now one of the park’s most popular sites. 

Keep the Wild Heart Beating.

“My heart found its home long ago in the beauty, mystery, order and disorder of the flowering earth.” Lady Bird Johnson, First Lady 1963–69

This wild heart of Washington, DC, has faced many challenges in the past few centuries, from being stripped of trees to being polluted by industry to being damaged by road construction. The National Park Service faces these and other problems with the help of its many hard-working partners and volunteers. Look for these and other examples.

IMAGE 1 of 3: Man-made dam at Peirce Mill. 

DESCRIBING: Square color photograph.

SYNOPSIS: Side view of the Herring Highway adjacent to a man-made dam along Rock Creek.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: A square color photo that shows, on the far right, and in the distance, two small square openings in a stone wall that are where fish can enter to swim up a fish ladder to move upstream. It allows the fish to get up and over a 2- to 3-foot tall, manmade waterfall.

Moving to the left of these openings, is a stone wall, and then the waterfall that flows over the dam.

In the foreground of the image is Rock Creek which flows over several large boulders.

In the background of the image is a line of lush green trees. 

CAPTION: Peirce Mill

CREDIT: NPS / Tom Paradis 

RELATED TEXT: Herring and other migrating fish were blocked from their spawning grounds by the dam at Peirce Mill. Now a fish ladder (to the right of the dam) allows fish to move upstream. Today you can see this and six other sites on the ”herring highway.”

IMAGE 2 of 3: Herring

DESCRIBING: An oval shaped color photograph.

SYNOPSIS: A dense school of small dark grey herring swimming in clear river water.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: An oval shaped image of a dense school of small dark grey herring swimming in clear river water. There is a yellow glow of sunlight that shines through the water and reflects off of the rocks and the fish that are in the lower half of the image. These fish are swimming directionally toward the viewer. In the upper portion of the image there is no sunlight, so the water and the fish are darker. Because of this it if not possible to see the direction in which these fish are swimming.

CAPTION: Herring

CREDIT: Bruce Christopher 

RELATED TEXT: If you come in the spring, you might see fish migrating.

IMAGE 3 of 3: Herring Highway information panel

DESCRIBING: Color cutout photo 

SYNOPSIS: An interpretive sign cut-out with two legs showing Rock Creek with informative text super-imposed over parts of the image. 

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: On the wayside informational panel the main image is of Rock Creek flowing over very large boulders. There are white caps where the water flows over those boulders.

Above the creek there is a dense line of trees that descends a slope down into the creek. The trees are mostly bare, with some orange and brown leaves showing. There are three inserts superimposed on this main image.

The upper left and lower right insets are text boxes. The inset on the upper right is an image that shows an overhead view of a waterfall flowing fast and free over the dam. 

CAPTION: Herring Highway

CREDIT: NPS / Mark Muse

RELATED TEXT: Each site’s information panel explains a different aspect of the highway. If you come in the spring, you might see fish migrating.

IMAGE 1 of 3: Peirce Mill restoration

DESCRIBING: Horizontal color photograph 

SYNOPSIS: A man hunched over, facing and working on a large wooden wheel that is oriented parallel to the floor.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The man is seen from the waist up, leaning over and focusing on the large wooden wheel. He is using a tool on the wheel, possibly making a repair to it. The wheel has six spokes and has darker wooden teeth cut around its perimeter. It is part of the mill’s operational gear system. There are several tools lying around, indicative of work. The man is wearing a purple and black shirt. The wooden wheel is light tan in color. The backdrop is a glass window letting light in, set in a wall. There are shelves on one side, sheets of plywood on the other, and it is a slightly cluttered workspace. 

CREDIT: Friends of Peirce Mill

RELATED TEXT:  If you had visited Peirce Mill between 1993 and 2011, you would not have been able to see the mill in action. In 1993, the main shaft broke. A group of volunteers helped raise the money for experts to repair the mill. Volunteers and staff now offer programs and tours of the mill.

IMAGE 2 of 3: Peirce Mill inside

DESCRIBING: Small vertical color photograph.

SYNOPSIS: One of the grindstones indoors at Peirce Mill. 

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The photo was taken from a distance of about 10 feet away and shows the top stone lifted off of the bottom stone by a wooden arm. The tall wooden arm is shaped like a sidewards letter “A”. It connects to the large donut-shaped top stone via a black metal stem that circles over the top of the stone, attaching on two sides. Overall color tones are warm tan and light brown woods, with a cream textured wall as the backdrop.

In-between the camera and the top-stone is a wooden pedestal that is slightly blocking the view of the grindstone.

CREDIT: Wikimedia Commons / BONNACHOVEN

IMAGE 3 of 3: Peirce Mill outside 

DESCRIBING: Small vertical color photograph.

SYNOPSIS: The waterwheel on the outside of the Peirce Mill. 

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The wooden waterwheel sits between the mill's exterior wall and another stone wall. Only the upper half of the wheel is visible, the lower half is obscured by the light gray stone wall of the tail race. The tail race is the water channel below a waterwheel.  The exterior wall of Peirce Mill is darker gray stone. There is a small, white-framed open window in the middle of the wall. 

CREDIT:  Dr. John Bedell

IMAGE 1 of 2: a collage of songbirds

DESCRIBING: color images of four songbirds

SYNOPSIS: A colorful collage of individual pictures of four small migrating songbirds sitting on branches. The birds in the photo are scarlet tanagers, a yellow warbler, and a Blackburnian warbler.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The male scarlet tanager has a small rounded bill, a vibrant red body with jet black wings and black tip tail. The female scarlet tanager has a drab yellow-olive body with gray-olive wings. The yellow warbler has golden yellow body, robust chest, yellow and black wings, and thin pointed bill and is smaller in size than the scarlet tanager. The Blackburnian warbler is the smallest of the four songbirds with a unique triangular facial pattern, unmistakable orange throat and face, light yellow body, black and white wings, and thin pointed short bill.

CAPTION: Scarlet tanagers, Yellow warbler, Blackburnian warbler

CREDIT: scarlet tanager, male - Matther Studebaker; scarlet tanager, female - Lloyd Spitalnik; yellow warbler - Frank King; Blackburnian warbler - Hemant Kishan

IMAGE 2 of 2: Birding

DESCRIBING: a horizontal color photograph

SYNOPSIS: A group of birders in the woods on a sunny winter day, observing the treeline and pointing out something to each other. The sun is shining in some people’s eyes and they shade the eyes with their arms.

CAPTION: people birding in Rock Creek Park

CREDIT: Casey Trees

RELATED TEXT: Migrating Beauty

People flock to Rock Creek Park in spring and fall to look for migrating songbirds like these shown here. Some birders send lists of species they have seen to national databases where their information helps scientists track these migrants. Others volunteer in the park, helping to restore native plants that birds need for food, shelter, and nesting.

The back side of the brochure orients visitors to Rock Creek Park, how to explore the park, plan a visit, and additional places to go.

It features a full-page map. The text, associated maps and photo descriptions are presented under their own sections. 

Exploring Rock Creek Park

Start at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center & Planetarium

Located in the heart of the park, the nature center is also the visitor center. Stop here to get information, trail guides, and activity schedules for the entire park. Browse the bookstore too. Information for all park sites is also available on the park website, www.nps.gov/rocr.

The nature center has exhibits about the plants, animals, geology, and archeology of the park. Ranger-led activities and programs about the park’s natural and cultural history are available for all ages.

Rock Creek Park has the only planetarium in the National Park Service. Its programs feature the sky over Washington. School and youth groups are welcomed; call the park to make reservations (number below).

The nature center and most programs are accessible to wheelchairs. Enjoy two self-guiding nature trails; one is accessible to wheelchairs and to blind or visually impaired persons. Other popular park sites are described at right.

IMAGE: Wood thrush on a branch

DESCRIBING: Color cut out photograph

SYNOPSIS: This stand-alone image depicts a singing wood thrush bird sitting on a branch.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The wood thrush is seen from slightly below. Facing to its left, we only see the right side of its body. The bird is grasping a dark gray branch with its thin brown feet, and its orange beak is open as if making calls or singing a song. The back of the head is light orange, leading into a lighter brown wing. The neck and underbelly are white and cream, speckled with brown dots. 

CAPTION: Wood thrush

CREDIT: Alan W. Wells

IMAGE: Cannon sitting outside

DESCRIBING: Color cut-out photograph

SYNOPSIS: A small cannon facing left, sitting on green grass. The wheels and carriage are black, the barrel is a green-blue color, which is a result of oxidation.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: This Civil War era cannon sits on a two-wheeled carriage. Each wheel has 14 spokes. It is angled toward its right, but almost facing to the front. The open end of the cannon is visible, and it is positioned parallel to the ground. The iron wheels extend about half a foot about the barrel. The thick black body of the carriage supports the oxidized green barrel from underneath. An axle supports that carriage and connects the two wheels together. The cannon sits on a beautiful piece of short green grass, the rest of the background has been removed.

CAPTION: Civil War cannon

CREDIT: William Mark Dyer

RELATED TEXT:  Rock Creek Park cares for nine Civil War sites. They are among over 60 sites built in a ring to defend Washington. Learn more about Rock Creek’s sites on the park website. For more about all the ”Fort Circle Parks,” go to www.nps.gov/cwdw.

Battery Kemble

Few traces remain of the battery, whose guns overlooked northern Virginia. Limited parking. Picnicking and recreational activities. 3035 Chain Bridge Road NW.

Battleground Cemetery

Final resting place for soldiers who died at the battle of Fort Stevens. 6625 Georgia Avenue NW.

Fort Bayard

Now a park for picnicking and playing ball, this fort overlooked a ”major road leading into DC. River Road and Western Avenue NW.

Fort Bunker Hill

Signs tell the story of this fortification that overlooks the city. Between Perry and Otis streets NE.

Fort DeRussy

View defensive earthworks and walk the trails. Corner of Oregon Avenue and Military Road.

Fort Reno

Few traces remain of this site, which is now a recreation area and music venue. Belt Road and Chesapeake Street.

Fort Slocum

Its guns were the first fired in July 1864. Wooded and open areas for walking and picnicking. Picnic pavilion available. Kansas Avenue NE.

Fort Stevens

Site of the only Confederate attack on Washington. 13th and Quack­enbos streets NW.

Fort Totten

Look at defensive earthworks and rifle trenches. Picnicking with a view of the city. Fort Totten Drive NE.

For your safety and to preserve history, do not walk or climb on hills, earthworks, walls, or other features of these historic Civil War sites.

MAP OVERVIEW 

SYNOPSIS: A large map of Rock Creek Park, located in northwest Washington, D.C. The 2,749-acre national park is made up of different green spaces and landmarks scattered around northwest DC. Labelled on the map are streets, parks, trails, attractions, and amenities. In addition to highlighting features of Rock Creek Park, the map shows other places of interest in the area, including other National Park Service sites. Metro stations are also highlighted on the map.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: Rock Creek Park is located in northwest Washington, D.C. The main portion of the park, a contiguous 1,754 acres, stretches from the Maryland/DC border near Chevy Chase, Maryland, to the north, until almost the Potomac River near Georgetown to the south. Rock Creek Park administers another 99 areas throughout Washington, D.C, many of which are labeled on the map to the east, west, and south of the main park. These areas include Fort Bunker Hill Park, Fort Totten Park, Fort Slocum Park, Battleground National Cemetery, Fort Stevens Park, Fort Reno Park, Fort Bayard Park, Soapstone Valley Park, Battery Kemble Park, Glover-Archbold Park, Georgetown Waterfront Park, the Old Stone House, Dumbarton Oaks Park, Montrose Park, Meridian Hill Park, Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, and various other parks as well as more than 40 circles, squares, and triangles around the city.

Within the main section of Rock Creek Park there are many attractions labeled on the map including visitor centers, various types of trails, and picnic areas. The Nature Center and Planetarium, which offers visitor information, is located close to the central west edge of Rock Creek Park, south of Military Road (which goes east-west). Other main through roads that border or bisect the park are Connecticut Avenue (which goes northwest to southeast), Massachusetts Avenue (south of Connecticut Ave but also generally goes northwest to southeast), and 16th Street (which goes north to south).

This Potomac River is located at the bottom of the map, stretching in a northwest to southeast. East of the Potomac River is the National Mall. The National Mall is one of several National Park Service sites, which are not part of Rock Creek Park, but are visible on the map. These other national parks are primarily located along or near the Potomac River.

SYNOPSIS: The map is oriented north, and a distance scale is provided. Below the scale, 16 symbols are in the legend and used on the map.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The first eight symbols represent trails. The other eight symbols identify what areas are NPS property or boundaries, amenities within the park, and transportation. The trails symbols shown include: Foot trail (symbol - a gray dotted line); Horse and foot trail (symbol - a gray dashed line); Bike and foot trail (symbol - a solid gray line); Western Ridge Trail (green blazes) (symbol - a green highlight); Valley Trail (blue blazes) (symbol - an orange highlight); Weekend/holiday road closure (symbol - a yellow highlight); Black Horse trail (symbol - a purple highlight over a gray dashed line); and White Horse trail (symbol - a brown highlight over a gray dashed line). Please note that since the printing of the brochure, the Weekend/holiday road closure has now changed to a permanent road closure.

The other symbols include: Rock Creek Park (symbol - park lands are denoted by the color green on the map); Other NPS Property (symbol - other NPS lands are denoted by a lighter green color on the map); Restrooms (symbol - two persons separated by a vertical line); Wheelchair accessible (symbol - wheelchair icon); Bookstore (symbol - a book icon); Picnic area (no permit needed) (symbol - a white number over a black dot); Picnic area (permit needed) (symbol - a white number over a blue dot), note: there are 29 picnic areas and eight require a permit to reserve depending on the season; and Metro station (symbol - an uppercase M in white over a black square over the color indicator of the metro line which could be a combination of colors including red, silver, blue, green, yellow, or orange).  

OVERVIEW: Rock Creek Park offers a variety of amenities for visitors. Several are marked on the map, including restrooms and picnic areas. Restrooms which offer single-entry units, family restrooms, or gender-neutral restrooms will be noted. There are two types of picnic areas, ones which require a permit to use and ones which do not require a permit. The Nature Center & Planetarium building is wheelchair accessible. Bookstores are located at the Nature Center & Planetarium and the Old Stone House. 

Amenity 1 of 3: Restrooms

SYNOPSIS: There are eight restrooms throughout the park. They are located at: the Nature Center & Planetarium; Peirce Barn; Meridian Hill Park; Montrose Park, Picnic Groves 1, 6, 10, and 24. The Nature Center & Planetarium restrooms are only open when the facility is open. Picnic Grove #10 is only open spring through early autumn.

Amenity 2 of 3: Bookstore

Bookstores are located in two locations, at the Nature Center & Planetarium and at the Old Stone House in Georgetown. Both stores are Eastern National stores and are only open during the operating hours of their respective buildings.

Amenity 3 of 3: Picnic Areas

RELATED TEXT: 29 total picnic areas, some have shelters. Blue dots indicate areas for groups up to 75; reservations required May-October. Fee. www.recreation.gov; 877-444-6777. Fires allowed only in charcoal grills or fireplaces in designated picnic areas. Coals must be doused with water and put in trash can. Individual grills allowed in picnic areas.

Please note that since the printing of this brochure, the reservation date ranges have changed for the picnic areas. Those that require reservations (Picnic Groves 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13 and 24) are reservable April through November.

OVERVIEW: Rock Creek Park offers a large variety of things to do and places to go. This section highlights fourteen of the most popular and well-known attractions and sites that are labeled on the Rock Creek Park map. Please note that this list is not comprehensive, but merely highlights some of the most popular of the many sites and attractions managed by Rock Creek Park. 

Attraction 1 of 14: Nature Center and Planetarium

SYNOPSIS: The Nature Center and Planetarium is located just off of Military Road near the western edge of Rock Creek Park. Like a traditional visitor center, the Nature Center contains visitor information, a bookstore that sells merchandise related to Rock Creek Park, Passport stamps for Rock Creek Park and the parks it manages, exhibits about plants and animals, and the only planetarium in the National Park Service. The building has restrooms, is wheelchair accessible, and has a parking lot and trails nearby.

RELATED TEXT: Located in the heart of the park, the nature center is also the visitor center. Stop here to get information, trail guides, and activity schedules for the entire park. Browse the bookstore too.

The nature center has exhibits about the plants, animals, geology, and archeology of the park. Ranger-led activities and programs about the park’s natural and cultural history are available for all ages.

Rock Creek Park has the only planetarium in the National Park Service. Its programs feature the sky over Washington. School and youth groups are welcomed; call the park to make reservations.

The nature center and most programs are accessible to wheelchairs. Enjoy two self-guiding nature trails; one is accessible to wheelchairs and to blind or visually impaired persons.

Attraction 2 of 14: Peirce Mill and Peirce Barn

SYNOPSIS: An original water-powered gristmill and adjacent carriage barn from the 1800s. Located in the southern portion of Rock Creek Park on Tilden Street.

IN DEPTH DESCRIPTION: Peirce Mill is a large three-story stone building that sits adjacent to Rock Creek. It has a waterwheel and a mill race next to the building. It is one of eight water-powered mills that once operated within the boundaries of what is today Rock Creek Park and is the only one that remains. Peirce Mill is near the park's multi-use trail and is within a short walk of parking lots at Picnic Groves 1 and 2. Many of the events and programs at the mill are in collaboration with a park partner, the Friends of Peirce Mill.

RELATED TEXT: The Peirce Mill is a working flour mill with exhibits, tours, programs, and two companion restrooms.

Attraction 3 of 14: Public Golf Course

SYNOPSIS: A public golf course is located in Rock Creek Park on the eastern side, just north of Military Road. It is operated by National Links Trust under a 50-year lease that began in 2020. 

RELATED TEXT: Public golf course. Clubs and cart rentals; lockers; snack bar. Fee. www.playdcgolf.com; 202-742-5656

Please note the printed brochure has different website and phone information for the golf course. The contact information in this audio description is correct as of 2024.

Attraction 4 of 14: Horse Center

SYNOPSIS: The Horse Center is located a quarter of a mile south of the Nature Center on Glover Road. You can take lessons, go on a trail ride, take a barn tour, and more. The Horse Center is operated through a concessions contract with Guest Services, Inc. 

RELATED TEXT: 13 miles of bridle trails crisscross the northern section of the park. Equitation field is near Picnic Area 25. Rock Creek Park Horse Center has lessons, pony rides, guided trail rides, and a therapeutic riding program. Fee. www.rockcreekhorsecenter.com; 202-362-0117

Attraction 5 of 14: 16th and Kennedy Area

SYNOPSIS: This is a recreational area on the eastern edge of Rock Creek Park, in middle of DC. It is located at the intersection of Kennedy and 16th Streets, NW and includes ballfields, a tennis stadium and tennis courts, parking, and bathrooms. Picnic Groves 23 and 24 are in this portion of the park. This area is also an access point for the Valley Trail. The tennis stadium is operated under a concessions contract with Guest Services, Inc.

RELATED TEXT: Recreational Areas. The largest is at 16th and Kennedy streets NW, with room for activities, including soccer, football, and softball. Some fields can be reserved. Tennis. Over 30 tennis courts in the park. Most at the Tennis Center, 16th and Kennedy streets, NW. www.rockcreektennis.com; 202-722-5949. Others operated by the city: www.dpr.dc.gov; 202-673-7647.

Attraction 6 of 14: Boulder Bridge

SYNOPSIS: A popular site for visitors, Boulder Bridge is a rustic stone bridge that crosses Rock Creek. The arch bridge is made from large fieldstones gathered from outside the park. It's located in the southern portion of Rock Creek Park, off of the Valley Trail.

Attraction 7 of 14: Rapids Bridge

SYNOPSIS: A rustic, wooden bridge that spans Rock Creek. Small rapids are in the creek on either side of the bridge. It is located in the southern portion of Rock Creek Park, a fourth of a mile west of the 16th and Kennedy Area.

Attraction 8 of 14: Thompson Boat Center

SYNOPSIS: Thompson Boat Center is located where Rock Creek meets the Potomac River, just off of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway. A paved bike and walking path is nearby and a metered parking lot is at this location. Thompson Boat Center is operated by Guest Services, Inc. under a concessions contract. More information at https://boatingindc.com/ or (202) 333-9543.

RELATED TEXT: Rent bicycles at Thompson Boat Center and Fletcher's Boathouse. Rent self-propelled watercraft (kayaks, etc.) at Thompson Boat Center and Key Bridge Boathouse (spring through fall). Lessons Available. Fee.

Attraction 9 of 14: Old Stone House

SYNOPSIS: The oldest structure on its original foundation in Washington, DC. It is located on M Street, half a mile north of the Georgetown Waterfront Park. There is a bookstore, operated by Eastern National, in this building.

RELATED TEXT: Colonial-era house and public garden. Exhibits, tours, programs. Hours vary.

Attraction 10 of 14: Carter Barron Amphitheatre

SYNOPSIS: Built in 1950, this outdoor amphitheater nestled in the woods was designed for 3,500 to 5,000 attendees. It is located near the 16th and Kennedy recreation area. The amphitheater is closed for renovations.

RELATED TEXT: Outdoor venue for music, theater, dance, and community events. Closed for renovation. Updates on park website.

Attraction 11of 14: Civil War Sites

SYNOPSIS: Rock Creek Park is home to multiple Civil War sites scattered throughout the city. Many of these sites were forts built to defend the United States' capital.

RELATED TEXT: Rock Creek Park cares for nine Civil War sites. They are among over 60 sites built in a ring to defend Washington. Learn more about Rock Creek's sites on the park website. For more about all the "Fort Circle Parks," go to www.nps.gov/cwdw

Attraction 12 of 14: Klingle Mansion

SYNOPSIS: Klingle Mansion is a large three-story stone building on a hill above Rock Creek and next to the forest. It was built in 1823 on land given to Joshua Peirce by his father Isaac Peirce. Joshua established a tree nursery on the land, and called the area Linnaean Hill. Joshua and his wife Susannah had no children and so passed the estate to their adopted their nephew--Joshua Klingle--after whom it is now named. Today this space is used as the headquarters of the park. The building is not open to the public.

Attraction 13 of 14: Pulpit Rock

SYNOPSIS: Pulpit Rock is a bluff that overlooks Rock Creek. The narrow trail and rocky height makes it a popular hiking destination. The Theodore Roosevelt spur trail will take hikers to the top. It sits in the southern end of the park, along the Valley Trail between Peirce Mill and Boulder Bridge.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: Theodore Roosevelt enjoyed bringing hiking companions to the Pulpit Rock as a test of their endurance. He famously ran an advertisement for a gold ring that he lost in Rock Creek near Pulpit Rock. In the ad he asked that the finder return the ring to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Attraction 14 of 14: Jules Jusserand Memorial

SYNOPSIS: This is a pink granite memorial bench, dedicated in 1936 to Jean Jules Jusserand by President Roosevelt. Jusserand was a French diplomat who become an Ambassador to the United States, serving a term over five presidencies. He had a deep love of the Rock Creek Park; visiting, hiking, and taking tea at Peirce Mill often. The memorial is located half a mile south of Pierce Mill, viewable by vehicle on Beach Drive. It is accessible by foot on the multi-use trail which parallels the road.

Trail 1 of 4: Western Ridge Trail

SYNOPSIS: The Western Ridge Trail in Rock Creek Park is one of two major trails that run north-south through the park. The trail is marked with light green blazes or markings and runs from Boundary Bridge at the border between the District of Columbia and Maryland south to Bluff Bridge. Large sections of the trail in the northern section double as portions of the Black Horse Trail. In these sections, the trail is wide and relatively free of debris like rocks and roots. Other sections of the trail are paved and are considered a part of the Rock Creek Park Multi-Use bike trail. In the southern-most section of the trail which runs from Peirce Mill to Bluff Bridge the trail splits and offers up two options, one considered moderate and the other considered challenging. The Challenging route takes visitors across exposed rock faces and the trail is almost non-existent. The moderate route goes up and over the face of the exposed rock but it does require some long stretches of ascent and descent. The Western Ridge Trail runs for a distance of just over five miles and traverses the slight ridge that runs the length of the west side of the park. There are not many creek views on this hike except for the southernmost mile. There are few facilities available on this hike. Restrooms can be found at the Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium (when open), behind Peirce Barn and at Picnic Grove #1. 

Trail 2 of 4: White Horse Trail

SYNOPSIS: This trailhead is located near the Rock Creek Park Horse Center's outdoor riding area. To access the trailhead, enter the Horse Center and veer to the left through their small parking area and then pass a large gray barn on the right. The outdoor riding area is straight ahead and surrounded by fencing. Circle around the lefthand side of the riding arena where you will find the trail head. This trail is a bridle trail and is meant for both horse and pedestrian traffic. Pets are allowed on the trail, but they must be leashed at all times. This trail will bring visitors down to Rock Creek where they can access: Picnic Grove 22, the Joaquin Miller Cabin, Milkhouse Ford, Rapids Bridge, Boulder Bridge and Beach Drive NW. This trailhead is the beginning of the Rapids Bridge hike following orange markings and the Boulder Bridge hike following pink markings.

Trail 3 of 4: Valley Trail

SYNOPSIS: The Valley Trail is one of two major trails in Rock Creek Park. The trail is blazed with blue markers and runs close to Rock Creek. End-to-end the trail has a length of roughly five miles. This is not a loop trail. One end of the trail begins at Boundary Bridge while the other end of the trail terminates at the paved section of the Western Ridge Trail between the Jules Jusserand Memorial and Bluff Bridge. The Valley Trail is a narrow trail for a majority of its length and is generally considered a trail appropriate for foot traffic only. There are a few sections of trail that are wide and flat and are also part of the Black Horse Trail. Access to the Valley Trail can be found at: Boundary Bridge, West Beach Drive NW, Riley Springs Bridge, Sherrill Drive NW, Rolling Meadow Bridge, Picnic Grove #6, Rapids Bridge, Boulder Bridge, and Blagden Avenue. The Valley Trail does cross several roads which can have traffic on them. Please use caution when crossing streets. Restroom facilities on this trail can be found at: Picnic Grove #10 (seasonally or as conditions allow), Picnic Grove #6, and Picnic Grove #1.

Trail 4 of 4: Black Horse Trail

SYNOPSIS: Black Horse Trail starts north at Boundary Creek and follows Rock Creek south through the park. It is a 4.66 mile bridle trail of moderate difficulty. You will have to cross the creek at Milkhouse Ford over a bridge. There are several street crossings, one bathroom location, at Picnic Grove #10, and several picnic areas along the way. You will pass Miller Cabin.

OVERVIEW: The main portion of Rock Creek Park is a contiguous 1,754 acres and the park also manages another 99 areas throughout Washington, DC. In this section we highlight some of the most popular and well-known of those sites. Please note that this list is not comprehensive, but merely highlights some of the most popular of the many parks managed by Rock Creek Park.

These areas include Fort Bunker Hill Park, Fort Totten Park, Fort Slocum Park, Battleground National Cemetery, Fort Stevens Park, Fort Reno Park, Fort Bayard Park, Battery Kemble Park, Glover-Archbold Park, Georgetown Waterfront Park, the Old Stone House, Dumbarton Oaks Park, Montrose Park, Meridian Hill Park, Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, and various other parks as well as more than 40 circles, squares, and triangles around the city.

Site 1 of 15: Fort Bunker Hill Park

SYNOPSIS: Fort Bunker Hill was built in the fall of 1861 by the 11th Massachusetts Infantry, and was named after the Revolutionary fortification at Bunker Hill, Massachusetts.

It occupied an important position along the Northern Defenses in Northeast Washington D.C. The fort was flanked by Forts Totten and Slemmer to the west and Forts Saratoga, Thayer, and Lincoln to the east. Thirteen guns and mortars were mounted in the fort. Unfortunately, little evidence of Fort Bunker Hill is still visible today.

RELATED TEXT: Signs tell the story of this fortification that overlooks the city. Between Perry and Otis streets, NE.

Site 2 of 15: Fort Totten Park

SYNOPSIS: Fort Totten was built was part of the Northern Defenses. It was located between Fort Slocum (West) and Fort Slemmer (East). Construction of Fort Totten began in August 1861 and was completed by 1863. An auxiliary battery connected by earthworks covered the space fronting the main fort. The fort occupied a high point in advance of the Soldiers' Home or Military Asylum, President's Lincoln summer home. It was located in Washington about three miles north of the Capitol, close to Silver Spring, Maryland. The Fort Totten metro station is adjacent to the park.

RELATED TEXT: Look at defensive earthworks and rifle trenches. Picnicking with a view of the city. Fort Totten Drive NE.

Site 3 of 15: Fort Slocum Park

SYNOPSIS: Fort Slocum was built as part of the Northern Defenses following the Battle of First Bull Run (Manassas) in September 1861. The earthwork was constructed by the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers following the Battle of First Manassas (Bull Run) in summer 1861. Fort Slocum commanded the intersection of the left and right forks of Rock Creek Church Road (near today's Kansas Avenue NW and Madison Street NW). The fort also provided support for Fort Stevens 1,775 yards to the west.

RELATED TEXT: Its guns were the first fired in July 1864. Wooded and open areas for walking and picnicking. Picnic pavilion available. Kansas Avenue NE.

Site 4 of 15: Battleground National Cemetery

SYNOPSIS: Battleground National Cemetery, located one-half mile north of Fort Stevens, is one acre in size, and one of our nation's smallest national cemeteries. The entrance to the cemetery is flanked by two Civil War vintage 6-pounder, smoothbore guns. Also near the entrance are monuments commemorating those units which fought at Fort Stevens: 25th New York Volunteer Cavalry Monument; 98th Pennsylvania Volunteer Monument; 122nd New York Volunteer Monument; 150th Ohio National Guard Monument. Within the cemetery grounds is a series of cast iron markers containing the words of a poem entitled "The Bivouac of the Dead," written by Theodore O'Hara in memory of those men who perished during the Mexican War. This poem, as well as the words of the Gettysburg Address in bronze found on the side of the caretaker's lodge, are reminiscent of many national cemeteries. The center of the cemetery is marked by a central flagpole, surrounded by 41 regulation marble headstones, marking the remains of the honored dead of Fort Stevens. Behind these headstones and to the east, stands a marble rostrum used to conduct yearly Memorial Day services. The four granite pillars are in memory of the four volunteer companies who fought at Fort Stevens.

RELATED TEXT: Final resting place for soldiers who died at the battle of Fort Stevens. 6625 Georgia Avenue NW.

Site 5 of 15: Fort Stevens Park

SYNOPSIS: Located in the northern part of DC, half a mile east of Rock Creek. It sits at the northwest corner of Military Road and Georgia Avenue. Fort Stevens, now partially restored, was built to defend the approaches to Washington from the 7th Street Pike (now Georgia Avenue) which was then the main thoroughfare from the north into Washington. Located atop the parapet of Fort Stevens is a commemorative stone dedicated to Abraham Lincoln. On July 12, 1864, the President stood atop the parapet to observe the fighting and came under fire from Confederate sharpshooters. It is the only time in American history in which a sitting president came under direct fire from an enemy combatant.

RELATED TEXT: Site of the only Confederate attack on Washington. 13th and Quackenbos street NW.

Site 6 of 15: Fort Reno Park

SYNOPSIS: Fort Reno was built during the winter of 1861 its location was chosen for its strategic importance in guarding the Rockville Pike (present day Wisconsin Avenue). Being the highest elevation in the city (429 feet above sea level), Fort Reno also served as a forward outpost and signal station for detecting enemy movement near the northern part of the city. Originally rather small, Fort Reno was enlarged and strengthened with an advanced battery 300 yards north from the highest ridge, across from what is now Fessenden Street and along 39th Street. This advanced battery had eight 12-pounder guns and a magazine, a covered walkway connected it to the main fort to the south. A double line of rifle trenches was added to strengthen the position. Eventually, the fort was the largest and strongest of those defending the capital with a dozen heavy guns, three Parrott siege guns and nine 27-pounder barbette guns. A strength of three thousand men of the First Brigade made Fort Reno the stronghold of the northern defenses of the capital. After the close of the war, the forts (Reno included) were slowly dismantled and abandoned. Most of Fort Reno could be seen as late as 1892, but the fort and battery at the north end were eventually graded down for the construction of a water reservoir. Today the site is bounded by Nebraska Avenue, Fessenden Street, Belt Road, and Chesapeake Street, NW. The park is a fourth of a mile north of the Tenleytown-AU metro stop.

RELATED TEXT: Few traces remain of this site, which is now a recreation area and music venue. Belt Road and Chesapeake Street.

Site 7 of 15: Fort Bayard Park

SYNOPIS: Fort Bayard was constructed in 1863 as part of the Northern Defenses in Northwest Washington D.C. The small elliptical earthen fort had a perimeter of 123 yards with a central magazine. The fort was linked by rifle pits to Fort Simmons (775 yards to the west) and Fort Reno (1,250 yards eastward), and commanded River Road, one of the key avenues into Washington D.C. near modern day Tenleytown.

RELATED TEXT: Now a park for picnicking and playing ball, this fort overlooked a "major road leading in DC." River Road and Western Avenue NW.

Site 8 of 15: Battery Kemble Park

SYNOPSIS: Battery Kemble was located at an elevation on Ridge Road (now Nebraska Avenue). It was completed in the Autumn of 1861 as part of the defenses of northwest Washington, DC. The battery held two 100-pounder Parrott rifles, placed in such a way as to sweep Chain Bridge along the Potomac River and the Virginia shoreline. Today, the parapet and gun positions are fairly well-preserved and remain visible. The site is located within Battery Kemble Park, bounded by Chain Bridge Road, MacArthur Boulevard, 49th Street, and Nebraska Avenue, NW.

RELATED TEXT: Few traces remain of battery, whose guns overlooked northern Virginia. Limited parking. Picnicking and recreational activities. 3035 Chain Bridge Road NW.

Site 9 of 15: Glover-Archbold Park

SYNOPSIS: Glover-Archbold Park is a 183-acre park in northwest Washington, DC. The park stretches from Van Ness Street NW to Canal Road NW. There is a nearly 2.5-mile trail that runs the length of the park, beginning at Van Ness Street and ending at the Foundry Branch Park trail which connects to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath. Several major streets bisect the park, requiring hikers to use caution crossing to go from section to section of the park. Some roads terminate at the edge of the park and pick up on the other side. In these cases, foot paths go from edge to edge of the park. All paths are rugged and dirt and are meant for foot traffic only.

RELATED TEXT: Unpaved trails through woodland and with connections to trails that go to Dumbarton Oaks, Montrose, and Battery Kemble.

Site 10 of 15: Georgetown Waterfront Park

SYNOPSIS: Georgetown Waterfront Park, stretching along the banks of the Potomac River from 31st Street, NW to the Key Bridge, was completed in the fall of 2011. The park is beloved by many due to its notable design elements like the labyrinth, beautiful fountain (seasonal) and charming rain gardens. Visitors come to the park to enjoy quiet contemplation or to take advantage of the large accessible pathways to exercise and recreate. Cyclists, skaters, and pedestrians have a designated pathway (free of cars) allowing them to enjoy views of individual boaters, kayakers, and competitive crews, as well as of Theodore Roosevelt Island, Key Bridge, and the Potomac River.

RELATED TEXT: Paved walkways, river views, demonstration rain gardens, performance spaces, labyrinth.

Site 11 of 15: Old Stone House

SYNOPSIS: The Old Stone House is the oldest structure on its original foundation in Washington, D.C. Built in 1766 in the British colony of Maryland, the house was already 59 years old when the British invaded Washington, D.C. in 1814. Although it is preserved for its architecture today, it was originally preserved through a case of mistaken identity and a desire to remember George Washington. The building is located on M Street in Georgetown and today has a bookstore / park shop operated by Eastern National.

RELATED TEXT: Colonial-era house and public garden. Exhibits, tours, programs. Hours vary.

Site 12 of 15: Dumbarton Oaks Park

SYNOPSIS: Dumbarton Oaks Park is an exceptionally significant historic landscape, where the naturalistic gardens and built features offer a very special experience to those who visit. The park is a striking example of one of the most important designs by landscape architect Beatrix Farrand. Mrs. Farrand is considered the “finest woman landscape architect of her generation.” The owners of the Dumbarton Oaks estate, Mildred and Robert Woods Bliss, wanted Mrs. Farrand to create for them an illusion of country life within the city. And, working closely with Mildred Bliss, Mrs. Farrand made the vision a reality. Today, there are two main divisions to the gardens at Dumbarton Oaks: the formal gardens owned and maintained by Harvard University; and the naturalistic garden that is Dumbarton Oaks Park. Mrs. Farrand intended for these two parts to be connected, a unified design where one can view the woodland of the park from the upper gardens. Over the past few years of close collaboration, the National Park Service and Dumbarton Oaks Gardens have come to share a commitment to revealing, once again, the vision of Mildred and Robert Bliss and Beatrix Farrand for the gardens of Dumbarton Oaks. The park is located between Massachusetts Avenue, NW and Wisconsin Avenue, NW.

RELATED TEXT: Unpaved paths through lower naturalistic gardens with connections to trails that go to other areas of Rock Creek Park. Mansion and formal gardens privately operated; fee.

Site 13 of 15: Montrose Park

SYNOPSIS: In 1804, rope-maker Richard Parrott purchased his Washington, DC, property and developed his estate. Before long, he added a "Ropewalk" for manufacturing rope, a Federal-style mansion, and gardens and orchards. Some of the defining features of Montrose Park originated during the period when the property was a prominent estate, between 1804 and 1911: the Ropewalk, Summerhouse, Boxwood Gardens, and several mature canopy trees along the edge of the plateau. The property was purchased by the United States Government in 1911. The campaign to purchase the land was led by Sarah Louise Rittenhouse who changed public opinion on the idea of a park. The Office of Public Buildings and Grounds (OPBG) assumed the responsibility for transforming the property. Together, OPBG landscape architects George Burnap and Horace Peaslee prepared designs for the park that integrated features from the former estate’s landscape and incorporated new elements for public park use. Today, Montrose Park is a sixteen-acre park located on the heights overlooking Georgetown in northwest Washington, DC. An armillary sphere stands as a monument to Sarah Louise Rittenhouse in gratitude of the work she did to see the park established. The park includes tennis/pickleball courts and a playground. It is located along R Street, NW and is adjacent to Dumbarton Oaks Park.

RELATED TEXT: Colonial rope-making site. Tennis, picnicking. Trails connected to other areas of Rock Creek Park.

Site 14 of 15: Meridian Hill Park

SYNOPSIS: In 1819, John Porter erected a mansion on Meridian Hill. The site was called Meridian Hill because it was on the exact longitude of the original District of Columbia milestone marker, placed on April 15, 1791. In 1829, the mansion became departing President John Quincy Adams' home. After its conversion to a public park, Union troops encamped on the grounds during the Civil War. The U.S. government purchased the grounds in 1910. Landscape architects George Burnap and Horace Peaslee planned an Italian style garden. The structures made revolutionary use of concrete aggregate as a building material. Notable features include: A thirteen basin cascading fountain is one of the longest in North America; a reflecting pool below the cascading fountain; a James Buchanan Memorial; an armillary sphere will soon return to the site; a Dante statue; a Joan of Arc Statue, which is the only equestrian statue of a woman in Washington, DC.; and Serenity statue. This site is located in central DC off of 16th and Euclid Street.

RELATED TEXT: A National Historic Landmark with paved walkways, statues, Civil War exhibits, chess tables, benches, cascading fountain, views.

Site 15 of 15: Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway

SYNOPSIS: The Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway is a scenic motorway that runs from the Potomac River, north along Rock Creek for a distance of two miles, terminating at Beach Drive.

OVERVIEW: There are several national park sites located in and around the Rock Creek Park area, which while administered by the National Park Service, are different national park units. These national park sites are located south of the Rock Creek Park sites and also along the Potomac River.  The national park sites visible on the map which are not part of Rock Creek Park include the National Mall and Memorial Parks, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. 

National Park 1 of 4: National Mall and Memorial Parks

SYNOPSIS: The National Mall - the great swath of green in the middle of our capital city and stretching from the foot of the United States Capitol to the Potomac River - is the premiere civic and symbolic space in our nation. National Mall and Memorial Parks protects the national mall and its iconic monuments and memorials and over 1,000 acres of greenspace in Washington, D.C. including: the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, DC War Memorial, and East and West Potomac Parks; Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site, Ford's Theatre National Historic Site and Belmont-Paul Women's Equality National Monument. The park is also the caretaker of many of the greenspaces throughout Washington DC including Dupont Circle, Farragut Park, Franklin Park and many of circles and squares in the city. More info at nps.gov/nama

National Park 2 of 4: Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

SYNOPSIS: Stretching between Georgetown in Washington, D.C. and Cumberland, Maryland - 184.5 miles - the C&O Canal and its towpath is a long, skinny national park. Visitors walk, hike and bike along the towpath. Canal boat rides are available for a fee at Georgetown and Great Falls, Maryland. More info at nps.gov/choh

National Park 3 of 4: George Washington Memorial Parkway

SYNOPSIS: The George Washington Memorial Parkway was designed for recreational driving. It links sites that commemorate important episodes in American history and preserve habitat for local wildlife. The parkway and its associated trails provide a scenic place to play and rest in the busy Washington, DC metropolitan area. Theodore Roosevelt Island is part of George Washington Memorial Parkway. It is a rounded, inverted triangle-shaped island located in the Potomac River. It is southeast of Key Bridge. The Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge runs over the southern tip of the island. More info at nps.gov/gwmp or nps.gov/this

National Park 4 of 4: Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

SYNOPSIS: The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a network of trails for hiking, biking and paddling that stretch between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands in Pennsylvania. In and around Washington, DC, this network includes trails in Rock Creek Park, the National Mall and Memorial Parks, the George Washington Memorial Parkway, National Capital Parks East, and the entire Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. More info at nps.gov/pohe

OVERVIEW: There are several notable places and landmarks featured on the map that are not part of Rock Creek Park. However, they are well known places in the larger area around Rock Creek Park, and their location and what they have to offer may be helpful for those visiting the Rock Creek Park area. The attractions which will be highlighted include the Potomac River, the National Zoological Park, and Rock Creek Regional Park. 

Attraction 1 of 3: Potomac River

SYNOPSIS: The Potomac River is a large, winding river that runs along the southwestern border of the District of Columbia, separating the district from Virginia. The Potomac is located in the southwest corner of the map and of the Rock Creek Park area. The river’s origin is not visible on the map, but it starts on the map’s western side, flows southeast across the map, and then continues off the map’s southern edge.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: The portion of the river featured on the map is roughly five and a half miles long and fluctuates between less than a quarter mile wide to about three-quarters of a mile wide. Theodore Roosevelt Island is located in the river, in its southern half. Three bridges cross the river. From west to east they are Key Bridge, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge, and Arlington Memorial Bridge. 

Attraction 2 of 3: National Zoological Park 

SYNOPSIS: The Smithsonian's National Zoo is located in the southern portion of Rock Creek Park and directly east of Klingle Valley Park. It's a fourth of a mile northeast of the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan metro stop.

RELATED TEXT: Next to the park; run by the Smithsonian Institution. 202-633-4800 or nationalzoo.si.edu

Attraction 3 of 3: Rock Creek Regional Park

SYNOPSIS: Rock Creek extends northwards past the borders of DC. The preserved forest around the creek in Maryland, belongs to Rock Creek Regional Park. 

RELATED TEXT: At the state line, Rock Creek National Park ends and a regional park begins. Information at montgomeryparks.org

Section 1 of 2: Public Transportation Overview

SYNOPSIS: There are many metro stations in the larger area around Rock Creek Park, allowing visitors to take the subway in order to get within walking distance of many of the places managed by Rock Creek Park. However, for some of these places, visitors need to take a bus or hike up to one mile from the nearest metro station to reach the park boundary. A couple of trails are located close to a metro station and lead into the main Rock Creek Park.

RELATED TEXT: Public Transportation. Bus, subway, and bike-sharing information at wmata.com

Section 2 of 2: DC Metro

SYNOPSIS: Many metro stops are located close to the different parks in the larger Rock Creek Park area, but all metro stations except one are not located inside any of the parks. Several red line metro stops are located west of Rock Creek Park, most are within a quarter mile of one of the parks. Several metro stops connecting to both the green and yellow metro lines are located to the east of Rock Creek Park, but most of them are a mile or further from any of the parks. Additionally, there are also more red line metro stops on the far east side of the map, east of the green and yellow line metro stops. These are a mile or further east of the green and yellow line stops and are not close to any of the parks. Finally, on the south side of the map, there are metro stops connecting to the blue, orange, and silver lines. These metro stops are close to the National Mall and southern tip of Rock Creek, but far away the main area of Rock Creek Park.

DESCRIBING: Small, vertical photograph whose edges fade into the background. 

SYNOPSIS: Two people biking on a flat, paved road in wooded area during the daytime. The bikers are riding with one behind the other, with Biker #1 in front and Biker #2 is a bicycle-length behind. They are biking towards the camera. On the right side of the pavement is grass and trees. 

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: Biker #1 appears male and has broader shoulders than biker #2, whose gender is not apparent visually. The bikers appear to be using professional-quality road bikes and biker apparel. Biker #1 is wearing a red helmet, a white fitted shirt with red short sleeves and a red stripe across the chest, black shorts, and gray shoes. Biker #1 is on a red bike with thin tires and black handlebars whose ends angle downwards, perpendicular to the ground. Biker #2 is wearing similar clothing but their shirt has white sleeves. Biker #2 has a similar bike to Biker #1 but the frame of their bike is a light blue. 

The road is level, gray pavement. It is quite wide, with enough room that two to three bikers could ride side-by-side on the road together. The trees to the bikers’ right are tall and leafy, with straight, light brown trunks and emerald-green leaves. The grass is lush and bright green. It is daytime, with hints of sunlight peeking through the trees and speckling the road. 

 CAPTION: Biking in the park

CREDIT:  M.V. Jantzen

RELATED TEXT:  Biking

Ride bicycles only on paved roads and trails. Rent bicycles at Thompson Boat Center and Fletcher’s Boathouse.

IMAGE 1 of 2: Winter Hiking

DESCRIBING: Rectangular, vertical color photograph.

SYNOPSIS: Two individuals snowshoeing in the woods. They are walking towards the camera, while it snows.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: Two individuals are traveling towards the camera on a narrow path as fresh snow falls around them. They walk in a line, one behind the other. There is about of foot (0.3m) of snow on the ground all around them. The individuals are snowshoeing. They have red and black snowshoes on and a black snow pole in each hand to keep their balance on the fresh snow. The individual in front appears to be a woman. She’s wearing black snow pants; a bright, light blue coat; a black beanie hat; and a black strap goes diagonally across her torso indicating some sort of bag on her back. She has a wide grin as she looks at the camera. The individual behind her appears to be a man. He’s dressed in all black with snow pants, a winter coat with the hood pulled up over his head and black sunglasses. He has a goatee. His lips are parted, and he appears to be concentrating on the lumpy, upturned snow on the ground, as he plans where to step next.

Behind them are leafless, dark brown bushes and tree trunks. The branches bend downwards, heavy with thick snow.

CAPTION: Enjoy the park in all seasons

CREDIT:  Adam Fagen

IMAGE 2 of 2: Hiking

DESCRIBING: Rectangular, vertical color photograph.

SYNOPSIS: Two individuals walking their leashed dogs away from the camera on an unpaved path. They’re surrounded by the forest.

IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION: Two individuals walk side by side on an unpaved path. The individuals are walking three leashed dogs. The individual on the left is walking two of the dogs and the individual on the right is walking the third dog. The individuals and the dogs are walking away from the camera so we can only see their backsides. The three dogs are very similar in appearance. The dogs are on the smaller side, their shoulders only reach halfway up their owners' calves. Their legs and bellies are white, and the rest of their bodies are covered in dark brown and black fur. Their straight tails are pointed in different upwards directions as they wag from side to side. The last two-thirds of their tails are white while the base third is dark brown and black.

The individual on the right is wearing black capri leggings, running shoes, and a bright red athletic shirt. Their dark hair is in a low ponytail. The individual on the left is wearing brown pants, tennis shoes with bright red soles and a dark red and blue plaid long sleeved shirt. They’re also wearing a dark baseball cap on their head from which shoulder length blonde hair pokes out of.

The unpaved path is covered in brown crispy leaves as it curves out of view to the left. Next to the path is dense foliage. Thick dark brown tree trunks and branches peek out between the green leaves. Bright sunlight shines onto the plants and people, extending their shadows behind them. In the sunlight, the leaves appear to be just starting to turn yellow and orange.

CAPTION: Enjoy the park in all seasons.

CREDIT: Raymond Fudge

RELATED TEXT: Hiking

Extensive network of trails and paths through the park. • Trail guide on park website or from nature center. • An exercise course (1.5 miles) starts near Calvert Street and Connecticut Avenue.

Other Places to Go

Carter Barron Amphitheatre

Outdoor venue for music, theater, dance, and community events. Closed for renovation. Updates on park website.

Dumbarton Oaks Park

Unpaved paths through lower naturalistic gardens with connections to trails that go to other areas of Rock Creek Park. Mansion and formal gardens privately operated; fee.

Georgetown Waterfront Park

Paved walkways, river views, demonstration rain gardens, performance spaces, labyrinth.

Glover-Archbold Park

Unpaved trails through woodland and with connections to trails that go to Dumbarton Oaks, Montrose, and Battery Kemble.

Meridian Hill Park

A National Historic Landmark with paved walkways, statues, Civil War exhibits, chess tables, benches, cascading fountain, views.

Montrose Park

Colonial rope-making site. Tennis, picnicking. Trails connect to other areas of Rock Creek Park.

National Zoological Park

Next to the park; run by the Smithsonian Institution. 202-633-4800 or nationalzoo.si.edu.

Old Stone House

Colonial-era house and public garden. Exhibits, tours, programs. Hours vary.

Peirce Mill

Working mill with exhibits, tours, programs. Hours vary.

Relax, Play, Have Fun!

You can enjoy activities on your own or through the National Park Service and park partners. Many are free, some need reservations or permits. • All phone numbers and other details are on the park website; some provided below. • All locations open daily during daylight hours except as noted.

Biking

Sections of Beach Drive are closed to vehicles year-round. Please note the print version of the brochure says weekends and holidays, but this information has changed since the brochure was last printed. • Ride bicycles only on paved roads and trails. • Rent bicycles at Thompson Boat Center and Fletcher’s Boathouse.

Boating

Rent self-propelled watercraft (kayaks, etc.) at Thompson Boat Center and Key Bridge Boathouse (spring through fall). Lessons available. Fee.

Fishing

Allowed in some areas, described at right and on park website. • DC fishing license required.

Golf

Public golf course. Clubs and cart rentals; lockers; snack bar. Fee. www.playdcgolf.com.

Hiking

Extensive network of trails and paths through the park. • Trail guide on park website or from nature center. • An exercise course (1.5 miles) starts near Calvert Street and Connecticut Avenue.

Horseback riding

13 miles of bridle trails crisscross the northern section of the park. • Equitation field is near Picnic Area 25. • Rock Creek Park Horse Center has lessons, pony rides, guided trail rides, and a therapeutic riding program. Fee. www.rockcreekhorsecenter.com; 202-362-0117.

Picnic Areas

29 picnic areas, some have shelters. • Blue dots indicate areas for groups up to 75; reservations required April through November. Fee. www.recreation.gov; 877-444-6777. • Black dots indicate first-come, first-served areas; they are limited to 25 people. Please note the print version of the brochure says reservations required April through October but we have updated this since the brochure was last printed.

Recreational Areas

The largest is at 16th and Kennedy streets NW, with room for activities, including soccer, football, and softball. Some fields can be reserved.

Tennis

Over 30 tennis courts in the park. Most at the Tennis Center, 16th and Kennedy streets, NW. www.rockcreektennis.com;

202-722-5949. • Others operated by the city: www.dpr.dc.gov; 202-673-7647.

In Maryland

At the state line, Rock Creek Park ends and a regional park begins. Information at montgomeryparks.org.

Public Transportation Bus, subway, and bike-sharing information at wmata.com.

Accessibility

The nature center and most programs are accessible to wheelchairs. Enjoy two self-guiding nature trails; one is accessible to wheelchairs and to blind or visually impaired persons. 

We strive to make our facilities, services, and programs accessible to all. For information ask at the nature center, call, or check the park website.

More information at https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm

Safety and Regulations

The park is open only in daylight hours, but through traffic allowed 24 hours a day. • Buses and commercial trucks prohibited on park roads. • Park only in designated areas. • Bicycling allowed only on paved bike trails and roads. • Hike only on designated trails. • Do not swim or wade. • Fishing in Rock Creek and its tributaries prohibited north of Porter Street Bridge.

Pets must be leashed at all times. • Do not litter; use trash cans. • Fires allowed only in charcoal grills or fireplaces in designated picnic areas. Coals must be doused with water and put in trash can. • Individual grills allowed in picnic areas. • No camping.

Federal law protects all natural and cultural objects. • Do not collect or disturb rocks, animals, or plants. • Do not feed or harass any animals. • Do not remove trees, even dead ones.

More Information

Rock Creek Park Nature Center

5200 Glover Rd. NW

Washington, DC 20015

202-895-6070 (Thurs.–Sun., 9–5). Please note the print version of the brochure says Wed.-Sun., but we have updated our operating days since it was printed.

www.nps.gov/rocr

Administrative Office

3545 Williamsburg Lane NW

Washington, DC 20008-1207

202-895-6000

Emergencies call 911

For non-emergency safety concerns, call 202-610-7500.

Rock Creek Park is one of over 400 parks in the National Park System. To learn more about national parks, visit www.nps.gov.

National Park Foundation

Join the park community.

www.nationalparks.org