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Bike touring routes & trails
United States
Maryland
Montgomery County
Washington Grove

Hawlings River – Upper Rock Creek Local Park loop from Washington Grove

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
Maryland
Montgomery County
Washington Grove

Hawlings River – Upper Rock Creek Local Park loop from Washington Grove

Moderate

2.7

(1)

78

riders

Hawlings River – Upper Rock Creek Local Park loop from Washington Grove

02:24

40.7km

230m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 8, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Upper Rock Creek Local Park

Morgan Park

McCouley Park

Rachel Carson Conservation Park

Agricultural History Farm Park

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

992 m

Washington Grove Forest Preserve - West Woods

Nature Reserve

2

22.9 km

Elder Pine Brewing Company

Highlight • Pub

Elder Pine Brewing is a great place for a stop during a ride. There is outdoor seating, food trucks, and is located in a tranquil setting.

Tip by

3

23.2 km

This 650-acre park is dedicated to environmental preservation and honors environmental activist Rachel Carson with the conservation of the park. There are plenty of well-maintained dirt trails throughout the area as well.

Tip by

4

24.1 km

Hawlings River

Highlight • River

The Hawlings River is a 13-mile long tributray of the Patuxent River. This section of the river runs through the peaceful surroundings of the Rachel Carson Conservation Park.

Tip by

5

29.2 km

Upper Rock Creek Local Park

Highlight • Rest Area

This park is primarily a wide-open, lush green space with a dirt trail encircling its borders. It provides a peaceful and scenic environment for your ride.

Tip by

6

29.6 km

Upper Rock Creek Local Park

Highlight • Natural

Upper Rock Creek Local Park is a beautiful, open green space. It is a great setting to ride through as you are on Olney Laytonsville Road. The houses around the …

Tip by

B

40.7 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

25.2 km

8.29 km

4.82 km

1.62 km

716 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

34.9 km

4.71 km

861 m

212 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (200 m)

Lowest point (120 m)

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Weather

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Today

Thursday 2 July

38°C

24°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

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Description

If you're looking for a touring cycling adventure that blends developed trails with more rugged, exploratory sections, the Hawlings River – Upper Rock Creek Local Park loop from Washington Grove offers a moderate challenge. This 25.3-mile (40.7 km) route, with 743 feet (226 metres) of elevation gain, is estimated to take 2 hours and 24 minutes, making it a good option for cyclists comfortable with varied terrain and seeking a less conventional ride near Washington Grove.

What to expect on Hawlings River – Upper Rock Creek Local Park loop from Washington Grove

This route stitches together different landscapes, starting with the local trails around Washington Grove, which often lead through extensive woodlands and along creek valleys. As you venture towards the Upper Rock Creek Trail, expect variable and rolling terrain, with sections that might include natural surfaces and even some singletrack. While the Hawlings River areas are largely undeveloped and not suitable for traditional touring bikes, this loop likely navigates around or through accessible parts, offering scenic natural views and opportunities for wildlife observation. It's best suited for cyclists on a hybrid or gravel bike who enjoy a mix of surfaces and aren't afraid of some varied grades.

Planning your visit

Given the varied nature of the trail surfaces, a hybrid or gravel bike is highly recommended over a dedicated road touring bicycle. The Hawlings River areas are primarily undeveloped, so expect to stick to established paths or roads that connect the more developed sections. Parking options would typically be found near Washington Grove or designated access points for the Upper Rock Creek Trail. Always check local park websites for any specific access restrictions or temporary closures before you head out.

Trail details

  • Distance: 25.3 miles (40.7 km)
  • Elevation gain: 743 feet (226 metres)
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Estimated time: 2 hours and 24 minutes

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