Pick a trail
The Western Ridge Trail follows higher wooded terrain while the Valley Trail traces the creek on a more uneven route. NPS also publishes a five-mile Northern Loop using sections of the park trail network.
Rock Creek Park with your dog
A wooded alternative to downtown streets. The National Park Service welcomes dogs on designated outdoor trails, including the Western Ridge and Valley routes, with a six-foot maximum leash.
Rules for four paws
Keep a leash no longer than six feet attached at all times. Stay on marked paths, pack out dog waste and avoid swimming or wading with your dog in park waters. Rock Creek is not an off-leash dog park.
Before leaving home
Review NPS trail alerts, choose an official trailhead and carry water. Rocky sections of the Valley Trail may not suit every dog or visitor.
Plan your visit
View map and directions ↗. Park access and temporary conditions may change; use official information and onsite signs before leaving.
Official NPS trails ↗ · NPS pets guide ↗
Other dog parks → · Other DC walks →
TAKE THE WALK FURTHER
Plan in PawStreak →Turn a good route into a great dog day.
Choose the park, check the rules, then plan your outing with PawStreak.
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