Rock Creek Park is a fitness lover's oasis located in the heart of the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. More than twice the size of New York City's Central Park, Rock Creek gives athletes plenty of exercise and running trail options. The park is a popular destination for both recreational and competitive runners because of its multitude of dirt paths and road trails.
Beach Drive
DC's Rock Creek Park trail is divided into a northern section and southern section. The northern section includes a road known as Beach Drive which is perfect for road running. During the weekdays, Beach Drive is filled with commuter traffic. On these days, runners choose to use a different path in the park. On the weekends and holidays, however, Beach Drive is closed to motor vehicles which allows for a peaceful road run.
The Southern Section
The southern section of Rock Creek Trail is paved, but provides a more rugged terrain for joggers. The narrow and winding paths bypass many points of interest including the National Zoo. The southern tip of this section of the trail meets the C&O Tow Path before continuing on to provide easy access to the major monuments of interest on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
23rd and P Street
A popular start for runners on the Rock Creek Trail is at the 23rd and P Street Northwest entrance of the trail. Runners beginning here have plenty of options when it comes to customizing their own run. The two-mile point for this running trail is at the National Zoo which provides runners with a convenient marker to turn for a four-mile run with the option to continue on for a longer run depending on each runner's preference.
Exercise Trail at Calvert and Connecticut Avenues
Located under the bridge on Connecticut Avenue at the intersection of Calvert Street is a 1.5-mile long exercise trail that allows joggers to work on other aspects of their physical fitness. Several pieces of stationary exercise equipment are located in this part of the park.
Broad Branch Road
The Broad Branch Road portion of the trail runs to Military Road and continues on to the Maryland/Washington, D.C. border. This trail provides access to the Rock Creek Nature Center and combines for a total run of 4.3 miles in one direction. This is the most remote section of the trail and acts as the northern border of Rock Creek Park.
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