Near Lake Bernard Frank Loop
View of reservoir tower
Near Lake Bernard Frank Loop
Crossing of the North Branch of Rock Creek.
Near Lake Bernard Frank Loop
Lake Frank in the fall.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Lake Bernard Frank Loop

4.2 (19 Ratings)
A loop hike around Lake Bernard Frank in the Meadowside area of Rock Creek Regional Park.
3.4
mi
Distance
348
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.4mi
Distance
348ft
Elevation Gain
348ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
403ft
High Point
308ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
From the Trailway Dr. entrance of the park, the hike follows the Lakeside Trail north, first on an old road bed, then on a crushed gravel fire road. Just over a mile in, it crosses Rock Creek on rock hop (can be difficult in times of high water) and then joins the Muncaster Mill Trail on the far bank. From the crossing, the hike proceeds north briefly before ascending to the Meadowside Nature center on a short unnamed spur trail. From the nature center, it then proceeds south/west on the Rocky Ridge Trail and Meadow Trail back to the Muncaster Mill Trail which it follows west to the Old Nasty Trail. The Muncaster Mill Trail parallels the North Branch of Rock Creek south on a dirt singletrack path eventually veering west away from the creek just above Lake Bernard Frank. The hike continues south and west on the Old Nasty Trail which is a short but steep rutted singletrack trail leading from Lake Bernard Frank to the upper Muncaster Mill Trail. It eventually rejoining the Lakeside Trail at mile 1.7. On the far side of the lake, the trail crosses the dam, then passes a spur trail to the Rock Creek Trail before bearing back around to the north and rejoining the old road and proceeding back to Trailway Dr. Rock Creek Trail is a great leisurely trail to hike. It is maintained quite well and there are a few restrooms and water fountains along the trail. Be ready, however, as the trail is slightly hilly.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
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Contributors
Luke AT