About
Length1.5 mi
ShapeLoop
DifficultyEasy
Typical time1 hr 23 min
TrailheadParkside Drive NW Entrance
ParkingVisitors can access this area from the Parkside Drive NW entrance of the park or from the Boundary Bridge side. The area is a broad, flat, floodplain. Do not enter if there is high water.
Best seasonThough the hike is available throughout the year, it is enjoyable in the late winter and early spring as it affords incredible opportunities to see spring ephemeral wildflowers
AccessibilityAccess from the Parkside Drive NW side of the loop trail requires a descent from a paved city street down a series of half a dozen wooden rail-road tie stairs. From Boundary Bridge, the trail is wide but the surface is often soggy and waterlogged as it is in a flood plain. The trail width varies and can be as narrow as two feet in width or as wide as five or six feet depending on the terrain. Overall, the trail is level and the path is smooth.
What you'll see 🌄 Big views🌊 River or creek🦌 Wildlife

Enjoy this 1.5 mile hike in the northern section of Rock Creek Park. In the spring time, this area is a great place to come look for spring ephemerals. A spring ephemeral , is a perennial plant that emerges in thespring for a brief period of time before dying. The underground parts are all that remain after this hsort growth and reproduction cycle. This area is maintained by Rock Creek Park resource specialists who use chemicals to keep the toxic non-native invasive plants from squeezing the native spring ephemerals out. Learn about the native species and how to identify them and keep your eye out for the non-native invasives.

Tips
Rock Creek Park is open from sunrise to sunset. Pets are allowed on the trail but must adhere to Pet policies within the park.
Location

Parkside Drive NW Entrance

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
Your Hikes

🔒 Login or create an account to record the trails you've done, rate them, and tie them to a trip.