Rock Creek Regional Park Reviews

It is very woodsy and you can really get yourself lost if you're not really paying attention. It is a very very large park. There are plenty of parking scattered around and it is very easy to find a little spot that you can have "all-to-yourself". There is Zip-Lining, Archery, Playground & Swings.

great trails, tons of amazing ameneties such as a planetarium, amphetheatre, zoos, tennis courts, and intriguing historical significance.

Nice place to visit for boating, kayaking and picnics. However, you must have your own transport as there are no buses or taxis available there.

There is a lot to do in this bucolic setting - canoeing, paddle boating, etc. as well as picnicking with shelters ( you need to rent some of these) Also it's where the "Go Ape" facility is located. Needwood itself is a free park - open to all

If you like nature, this is a Park that is quite close to Washington DC and it is beautiful. A lovely place to visit with family, friends or if you want to ride your bike and have a moment for self-reflection. The air is pure and atmosphere truly fantastic. It is better to go early rather than late in the day as it is a busy location.

There's a lot you can do around here, rent a boat or kayak... Picnic or bbq... Talk a walk along the trail around the lake. This spot is a nice gem when you want to get outdoors

As you are driving through the park when you’re entering, you’ll notice that on your left that there is a zip line course, and there is an open field for families to enjoy their time,

On this particular day, I was able to take a walk and saw others in canoes, boats and kayaks.

You can rent it by the hour here, and the scenery is beyond belief, if you walk around with a bottle of water and enjoy the scenery, it will leave you will with an exhilarating experience.

really stunning park goes through maryland and washington dc with hiking trails and bike trails lakes and stunning scenery, Rock Creek Park is a must if you like nature

We have been going here for years to walk our dogs and get in some exercise. Usually well maintained. with a large field for running them and nice trails, including the beginning of the main trail to Rock Creek Park in D.C. Lots of options depending on how ambitious you are and how munch time you have. Very beautiful with lots of options for fishing, hiking and picnicking. Be aware of the Microcystin Algae problem that can be deadly for your dogs, keep them away from the water (and elsewhere in MoCo). We are very happy with the variety of parks in Montgomery County.

Feeling the cabin fever, I decided to visit this attraction on Christmas Eve when it was sunny and weather was in the 50's. Note that Lake Needwood is part of this Regional Park where there are lots of things to do at the Lake and vicinities. I enjoyed the fresh and clean air plus the quietness of the surroundings.

Things to do here in the Summer: Fishing, boating, kayaking, picnicking, hiking, playing volleyball, renting one of the Shelters, etc.

We have visited Rock Creek Park and its surrounding areas several times. It's great to get out when the weather's nice, and the park features an extensive set of paved trails suitable for walking, running, or biking. The Rock Creek trail continues from the park all the way south to Washington, DC, so you can travel as far as you like. There are plenty of places to park along the trail, so you can pick it up at virtually any location.

We've been here a number of times as a family, walking, biking and running. the paths are paved, and well-maintained. we took a 4+ mile ride from a family member's house to lake needwood and back. my only complaint is that he mileage signs are not correct, but this was not an issue because everyone has gps on their phones these days.

Rock Creek has paved hiker/biker trails that run from DC up to Rockville and around Lake Needwood. If you're looking for somewhere green to bike, walk, or run for exercise it's a good choice. The trail is a greenway and for the most part there are some trees between the trail and the roads. For hiking though, I'd recommend somewhere more scenic like Great Falls. Stay to the right if you're on foot to be sure the bicycles can pass easily.

For both causal walkers and hikers . We visited both lake Needwood, and lake Bernard Frank. If I remember correctly the first was a much shorter and easier walk.

Beach Drive winds its way through Rock Creek, and is a major artery in and out of DC on weekdays. But on weekends, the road closes and becomes a wonderfully scenic oasis for cyclists, joggers, and families out for a nature hike. My husband and I cycle there often. Due to the long gradual slope of the road as you head down into DC, I'm not sure I would recommend this for young children or very inexperienced cyclists who might find the climb back up and out of DC to be very challenging. Once you hit Pierce Mill, you can hop on a trail that takes you to the National Zoo, around to Georgetown and up to Bethesda on the Capital Crescent Trail. This trail, however, is mostly narrow and bumpy and crowded and not nearly as fun as the wide open road.

Reading the Tripadvisor website for " THINGS TO DO in ROCKVILLE, MD" I was surprised to see "Rock Creek Regional Park" as an attraction. Locals do not call this area as such; it is commonly called, Lake Needwood.

For clarification, Rock Creek Regional Park (Park) includes Lake Neewood, attractions around this Lake plus other areas near-by such as the Golf Course and Needwood Mansion. Park attractions include zip line, archery, trails for walking, hiking and jogging, picnic areas/shelters, playgrounds, volleyball court, etc. Lake Needwood offers boating activities as well as fishing opportunities.

Fees are charged for the zipline, boats & related water equipments, and occupying the picnic shelters where one can do their cookouts.Rest areas can be found in the various picnic areas of the Park.

Spend a day at the Rock Creek Regional Park and Lake Needwood with your loved ones and friends. You'll surely have fun! There are activities to do for everyone, regardless of age. .

Every time I go there, it is only about a 15 minute drive from our house, I am blown away by the beauty we have around us. This is a very large lake surrounded by trees. In the warm weather they offer the paddle boats but anyone with a boat can put it in year round as far as I know. They also have a place to store your boat by the water but I am not sure how that works. In the summer they have restrooms and a small place to buy drinks and snacks. You can also picnic and Bar B Que. Great place for anyone to escape the summer heat.

We had a group gathering at the picnic grounds. The grounds are clean and well kept. Our group was around 15 people and we were easily accommodated in the picnic area. Although there were other large and small groups meeting the same day in different areas we were not st all crowded. The park is beautiful, there's plenty of parking and the facilities are clean and well maintained.

I really enjoyed my visit to Rock Creek Regional Park. I found it clean and great hiking trails. Well worth a visit. Plus, I did hte Go Ape adventure and that was just incredible!!!

We just recently moved to Rockville and discovered this walking trail. It was a clear fall day and the trail offered a beautiful fall walk. We only walked a couple of miles, but we are looking forward to exploring more. The trail is paved with asphalt.

Just to get out of the house, I decided to drive to this huge Regional Park covering parts of Washington, DC and Maryland. The speed limits in some areas are slow due to the narrow and winding one-way streets.

It would feel great if I could roll down my window and experience the fresh breeze. This would not work at 22 degrees! Will be back here once the weather turns warmer to visit again the attractions of this Regional Park

This is a nice drive if your in no hurry. Bicyclists, joggers and parks line the roadway. Stay alert for anything including wildlife. It's a change from the suburb that rushes all around it b

Fabulous any time of year. Run, jump and play. Bring your dog. And a camera. And a frisbee to toss around.

Rock Creek Park is a beautiful city park at all times of year. It has many hiking trails, is a great biking park and features the wonderful National zoo. It is a park that attracts people of all ages. kids love to climb on the edges of the creek. Families can barbecue. There is also an old mill for people interested in the history of the park.

Rock Creek park is a great place for a run or bike ride, but it's not easy to find unless you're a local.

As regional parks go, this one is conveniently located, and has tons to offer for everyone: kids, birthdays, picnics, water, light shows, etc. Worth a visit.

I love this place to walk. It's so quiet. This place is beautiful whatever the season is. There's a parking too.

Had young kids on the tour of the fort & it was a nice time. Kids made it half wAy. Park ranger was nice and informative. Nature center was fun and clean.

Reserving our space was very easy. Great place for birthday parties, company picnics, etc. Park is scenic and bathrooms are well kept.

Plenty of parking. Tons of picnicking areas. Lots of shade. Can bike all the way to National Zoo if so inclined.

Rock Creek Park has so much to offer - it includes Lake Needwood and Lake Frank. There are 13 miles of trails through woodlands and along the lakes, boat and kayak rentals on Lake Needwood, Archery Range, picnic shelters can be reserved, Meadowside Nature Center is a must visit too.

Rock Creek Park is a gem in the heart of the Nation's Capital. While a good part of the park lies in Rockville and Montgomery County, the park actually runs through DC all the way to the Potomac. Rock Creek has often been compared to Central Park in NYC because they were both designed / developed by Olmstead, but Rock Creek is very different than it's northern cousin. The environment is a lot more natural, with fewer man made features and much more wildlife. It's great for a short stroll, long hike or simply to get lost with nature for a while.

really worth visit for all ages, it's a huge area with a lot of activities to do in different seasons.

I enjoy the outdoors. The beauty of this expansive park is wonderful. Picnic areas and benches, large parking lots and well maintained trails makes this a nice place to spend an afternoon. Often, I will go thru the park to get somewhere else when biking. [FYI: I am no longer comfortable going to ANY Park alone,]

Visited Rock Creek Park for the first time in 40 years this past week, and was pleasantly surprised at the sense of history which has been added to and preserved in this park celebrating both an historic creek and canal. The paths and overlook were uncrowned, and a leisurely walk gave one both time to look, explore, and read the plaques, while enjoying the peace and quiet of this natural and nature-filled area. Even a sudden heavy wind and rain storm did not hamper the visit, and left me compelled to pull aside a tree which had fallen over a path during the storm. A must-see and experience place in the greater D.C. area.

This is a wonderful park, mainly a biker/runner trails that goes from Needwood to Washington DC. Is 14 miles of trail surrounded by trees, along the river and gives across many parks. I use it for biking and is a little bit difficult as the road is bumpy, curvy and has a lot of ups and downs. The good thing about this is that there are no crazy cyclists biking at full speed, mostly recreational cyclists. Going back and forth is almost 30 miles of nature.

This park has got it all: hiking, biking, and more! It's perfect when the weather is warm or in early fall.

It is a pleasant park, with walking trails and a fairly large lake, Lake Needwood. There you can rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, etc. or launch your own [with a permit]. It has no really beautiful spots, but is a nice escape from the surrounding suburbs.

many trails for short and long runs on foot and by bicycle.
great parks with man made lakes and following along rivers.

An interesting place for a long walk and a picnic .. beautiful lake and picturesque landscape. a good place to rest on nature. I recommend to visit in good weather.

A place to go. A wonderful drive any time of year through the city. Hiking, picnicking, bicycling, etc. plenty of parking.

I go as a couple and solo beautiful view and I’m a natural nature boy at heart I truly love the outdoors and people would love to visit the park for picnics and other beautiful things to do in this wonderful park

This is a huge park covering several cities of Maryland and Washington, DC. Learned that it has about 1800 acres and for me, Lake Nedwood is the best part of this park.

There are so many activities one can do at the Lake Needwood such as boating, fishing, hiking, walking, picnicking at the Shelter, enjoying the playgrounds, etc, Please see my related review of the Lake.

To see other parts of the Park, I drove along Avery Drive where I felt like I was at the middle of the forest. The roads are narrow and winding. Next time I visit , I'll drive around this Park until it ends in Washington, DC. Biking and walking are two other options to visit it.

Really long park. Great for bike rides from Gaithersburg down to Washington, DC. Part of the ride is on paths, other parts are on a closed part of Beach Dr. There are good picnic areas. A lot of sports fields as well. Not really a park for hiking.

Beautiful park with water activities, areas to play games and an awesome bike trail that takes you through beautiful scenery through MD, DC and into Virginia. Great for families, nature walks, picnics and bike riding.

I hike and kayak at Lake Needwood and love it. The trails are well marked and enjoyable. I talk a lot to people fishing there and they say it's worth it. You can fish from the banks or find hidden spots. If you are kayaking there are 2 spot to enter the water- and you can rent kayaks (check online for times). If you are taking your own kayak make sure to pay the one time fee ($5) or get a permit for the season ($75). Instructions are online. There is are plenty of picnic tables, camping and GoApe obstacle course. I've seen foxes, otters, turtles and other wildlife. This is a well maintained park and enjoyable for the whole family.

For a walk in the woods, Rock Creek Park (at Needwood) offers unspoilt nature to explore. The lake and woods are peaceful and feel remote although you are minutes from 'civilization.' There are paths to follow, though, and other people enjoying the park - walking, fishing and boating. You cannot swim in the lake these days due to some bacteria in the water, if I remember correctly.

We came here with a friend for a walk on a not so cold day and we had a very nice walk with the creek on our side. Full of people walking and biking. Beautiful scenery and it was easy to park

This is a quite and relaxing place to escape from the noisy world. Trees, lake, reflections, color, boats and leaves are harmony like music, unlike the harsh we experience every day.

Boating, walking and picnic even napping is all great here.

This is one of the best city parks you will find anywhere. With horse riding trails, hiking trails and even the National Zoo (free) in the heart of the city. The major road, Beach Drive, is even closed to cars on Saturday and Sunday. With picnic shelters and acres of woods you can either be with people or be secluded.

Wonderful place to go. It has something for everyone. It has a walking path and water activities and I didn’t even see all of it!