Rock Creek – Rock Creek Park loop from Silver Spring
Rock Creek – Rock Creek Park loop from Silver Spring
3.2
(18)
69
hikers
Rock Creek – Rock Creek Park loop from Silver Spring
02:33
9.36km
140m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
62 m
Anti-Hate Sculpture Installation
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.43 km
Rock Creek
Highlight • River
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2.35 km
Valley Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.20 km
Rock Creek Park
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
3.67 km
Bench at the creek
Highlight • Bridge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
9.36 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.72 km
2.84 km
727 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
5.68 km
1.76 km
1.35 km
508 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Saturday 18 July
34°C
21°C
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a genuine escape into nature without leaving the city, the Rock Creek – Rock Creek Park loop from Silver Spring is a fantastic choice. This moderate 5.8-mile (9.4 km) hiking route, with 464 feet (141 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 33 minutes to complete. It's perfect for anyone seeking a varied urban oasis, offering a mix of paved and natural trails that feel surprisingly wild, making it an excellent option for a refreshing morning or afternoon outing.
What to expect on Rock Creek – Rock Creek Park loop from Silver Spring
The journey begins with more urban-adjacent paths, often paved, but quickly transitions as you delve deeper into Rock Creek Park. You'll find yourself immersed in a lush, wooded corridor, following the sounds of Rock Creek. The terrain shifts from smooth asphalt to stony, rooty, and sometimes muddy sections, especially on the unpaved Western Ridge Trail or Valley Trail. Keep an eye out for wildlife like white-tailed deer, and enjoy the dense tree canopy that provides welcome shade. While the elevation changes aren't extreme, some sections offer short, punchy climbs, providing a good workout without being overly strenuous. This loop is ideal for hikers who appreciate diverse scenery and a sense of wilderness within an urban setting.
Planning your visit
Accessing the Rock Creek Park trails from Silver Spring is straightforward, though parking can fill up quickly on pleasant weekends, so an early start is always a good idea. The park offers amenities like picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking fountains at various points, particularly near popular spots like Peirce Mill. While the trails are generally accessible year-round, spring brings vibrant wildflowers and autumn offers spectacular leaf colors. Be prepared for potentially muddy patches after rain, especially in low-lying areas near the creek, and always carry enough water, particularly during warmer months.
Trail details
- Distance: 5.8 miles (9.4 km)
- Elevation gain: 464 feet (141 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 33 minutes
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