Near Western Ridge Trail
Western Ridge Trail
Near Western Ridge Trail
Downy Woodpecker.
Near Western Ridge Trail
Catch a view of the sky
Near Western Ridge Trail
Rock Creek Park Nature Center.
Near Western Ridge Trail
Green blazes marking the Western Ridge Trail in Rock Creek Park.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Western Ridge Trail

4.4 (8 Ratings)
A mostly smooth trail traversing the entire western side of Rock Creek Park.
3.8
mi
Distance
432
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.75mi
Distance
432ft
Elevation Gain
536ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
338ft
High Point
77ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Western Ridge Trail is one of the more popular trails through Rock Creek Park. Offering just under 5 miles of trail, this route will take you up and down the ridges offering views of the river and surrounding area. The trail itself switches a few times between hiking and biking during the first few miles, then ultimately to a shared hiking/horse trail for the last third or so. For the most part the trail is well marked (green blazes) and well defined, with moderate terrain. Once you move past the first section, the trail widens a bit with better footing.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Doug Hay