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District Of Columbia

Rock Creek Trail – Rock Creek Trail loop from Howard University

Routes

Running trails & routes

United States

District Of Columbia

Rock Creek Trail – Rock Creek Trail loop from Howard University

Moderate

4.6

(4867)

10,114

runners

Rock Creek Trail – Rock Creek Trail loop from Howard University

01:09

10.8km

90m

Running

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

Last updated: April 17, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Rock Creek & Potomac Parkway

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

3.98 km

Rock Creek Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The trial is hardly to find from 26 St NW/M St NW, impossible by bike, hard for runners. The path is partially blocked by fallen trees and overgrown. But for cross runners it’s really funny and challenging.

Tip by

5.56 km

Rock Creek Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Rock Creek Trail is a popular spot for foot traffic. Starting from the parking lot off Virginia Avenue, the paved path follows Rock Creek, passing landmarks like the William Howard Taft Bridge and Peirce Mill. Along the route hikers can find picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking fountains. Open year-round, the trail welcomes dogs, with some areas allowing off-leash.

Tip by

7.57 km

Mount Zion Cemetery

Highlight • Historical Site

From this spot on the Rock Creek Trail you can see the historic Mount Zion Cemetery. This historically significant burial ground is adjacent to the Female Union Band Society Cemetery, which both cover about three and a half acres, and were added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 6, 1975. Mount Zion Cemetery, founded in 1808 as The Old Methodist Burial Ground, initially served both White and Black individuals but became predominantly African American after 1849. The Female Union Band Society Cemetery, established in 1842, was created by freed Black women for their community. Together, these cemeteries reflect the rich African American history of Georgetown.

Tip by

7.91 km

Rock Creek Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Rock Creek Trail is a 16-mile (25.7 km) Greenway between Needwood Lake and Beach Drive. The trail leads through Rock Greek Regional Park, a lovely nature spot amongst the urban sprawl of Washington.

Although the path is paved, take care as leaves and branches often cover the route and roots have grown through in places.
The path is shared with runners and walkers too.

Tip by

10.8 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.70 km

798 m

252 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

6.73 km

2.83 km

997 m

178 m

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Weather

Today

Thursday 9 July

31°C

23°C

91 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

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Rock Creek Trail – Rock Creek Trail loop from Howard University

Rock Creek Trail

Rock Creek Trail

Mount Zion Cemetery

Rock Creek Trail

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