Near Valley Trail - North
Pine Trail.
Near Valley Trail - North
Cross-country skier in Rock Creek Park.
Near Valley Trail - North
Yellow Trout Lily.
Near Valley Trail - North
Pine Trail.
Near Valley Trail - North
Ash leaves.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Valley Trail - North

4.5 (4 Ratings)
The northern portion of the Valley Trail.
3.1
mi
Distance
116
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLess CrowdedRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.06mi
Distance
116ft
Elevation Gain
142ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
229ft
High Point
151ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This wonderful trail runs along Rock Creek up to the Maryland border but don't be fooled by the word "valley" in its name. The trail has plenty of elevation change as it twists and turns alongside the river. Contrary to the Western Ridge Trail, the Valley Trail's path is a bit more rugged. Watch your footing for rocks, roots, and narrow passages. While you'll find fewer visitors along the Valley Trail, this is probably the most popular trail in the park and a great place to see wildlife like deer and black snakes.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Downed Tree
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

Nearby Hike Routes

North Rock Creek Park 5K Loop

Hike Route

North Rock Creek Park 5K Loop

moderate
3.12 mi
+259 ft
Valley Trail - Entire Length

Hike Route

Valley Trail - Entire Length

Birding
moderate
5.3 mi
+481 ft
Rock Creek Valley Loop

Hike Route

Rock Creek Valley Loop

Fall Colors
easy
1.27 mi
+15 ft
Milkhouse Ford Loop

Hike Route

Milkhouse Ford Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
1.66 mi
+287 ft
Rapids Bridge Loop

Hike Route

Rapids Bridge Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
1.91 mi
+242 ft
Boulder Bridge Loop

Hike Route

Boulder Bridge Loop

Birding
moderate
3.09 mi
+327 ft
Contributors
Doug Hay