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Rock Creek Park
Frequently Asked Questions
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3. How do I get to the Old Stone House?
The Old Stone House at 3051 M Street, NW in Georgetown, directly across from the Barnes and Noble bookstore.
4. Can you please give me directions from public transportation?
The Friendship Heights Metro is the closest to the Nature Center. Take the E-2, E-3 bus to the intersection of Glover & Military Rd. Get off, look to your left and follow the trail up to the Nature Center. The Van Ness Station is the closest metro stop to Peirce Mill, but it is still about a mile away. From Van Ness, walk south on Connecticut Avenue to Tilden Street and make a left. Follow Tilden to the bottom of the hill and the mill is on your left. Foggy Bottom is the closest metro stop to the Old Stone House, from there walk north to Washington Circle and take Pennsylvania Ave. west to the Old Stone House, about a 1/2 mile.
5. When is the Park open?
The Park is open during daylight hours.
6. When are Beach Drive and other Park roads closed?
Sections of Beach Drive from Broad Branch Road to Military Road and from picnic grove 10 to Wise Road and from West Beach Drive to the DC line are closed on Saturdays, Sundays (7:00 AM Saturday-7:00 PM Sunday), and holidays for bikers, roller bladers, hikers and joggers (On the map they are marked in faint yellow). In addition, Bingham Drive and Sherill Drive are also closed weekends and federal holidays.
7. When is the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway one way?
The Rock Creek Parkway is one way going south from the Connecticut Avenue, between 6:45- 9:30 AM and one way north from 3:45 - 6:30 PM, MONDAY-FRIDAY. All other times, the Parkway is open to both ways of traffic.
8. Why do I see park staff spraying chemicals and cutting plants in the park?
You see our Natural Resources Management employees spraying non-native, exotic plants found in Rock Creek Park. They have been quite successful... (Look at the brochure on "Silent Green Invaders." To read the final report on their efforts read "Rock Creek Park Invasive Non-Native Plant Mitigation Program Final Report".
9. Can I pick plants, berries, mushrooms, take animals home or remove historical items I find in the park?
No, no one may take anything out of the park, unless he or she is a professor or a professional (USGS, Smithsonian, etc.) with a permit (for plants or rocks) and he or she is using the specimen for an educational purpose. Visitors may be fined by Park Police if they are caught. If you see someone with a metal detector at places like Fort DeRussy or hunting for morels, please report these crimes to Park Police immediately!
10. How many deer, raccoons, foxes, coyote or bears are there in the park?
There are approximately 200 whitetail deer in the park. In 1987, a population of deer decided to make their home here year round. Since then, the population has been increasing - they have no real enemies to control their population other than cars. Rock Creek Park has the largest density of raccoons in the United States. We have red and gray fox in the park, but less of the gray fox. Visitors often think that foxes look like large cats or small dogs. Park employees believe that there are six to eight fox dens scattered throughout the park. Coyote sightings have been reported since May 2004; they were confirmed by staff in September 2004. At least two animals have been seen in Rock Creek Park north of Military Road. See our coyote frequently asked questions page for more information. There are no bears in the park. Visitors walking along Rock Creek may see signs of beavers (beaver chews on the trees) or on a lucky day, they may even see one!
11. Is the park safe?
Yes, the park is relatively safe. It is best to be with another person if you are hiking or running (as a precaution - especially for women...).
12. How do I schedule a program?
For the Nature Center call 202-895-6070 and talk to a ranger for scheduling a program between Wednesday-Friday. Programs last no longer than an hour. We offer Planetarium programs, Nature Walks, and special programs geared to a groups' needs. For Peirce Barn and Mill call 202-895-6070 and talk to a ranger to schedule a program. For the Old Stone House call 202-895-6070 and talk to a ranger to schedule a program.
13. What's going on with the General Management Plan?
The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a final decision on a General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (GMP) for Rock Creek Park and the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway. A notice in the Federal Register officially announcing the NPS “Record of Decision” was published on October 18, 2007. Of the four alternatives presented in the GMP to improve visitor services, administrative functions and traffic management, the NPS has chosen “Alternative A.” This alternative upgrades trails, rehabilitates historic structures and improves the location and condition of visitor facilities. It also continues the weekend and holiday closures of sections of Beach Drive, and allows through traffic on weekdays, using methods to slow traffic and improve traffic safety throughout the park. Alternative A also continues the current weekday rush hour, one-directional flow of all lanes of traffic on the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway. More information may be found at the NPS Planning, Environment and Public project page at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?parkId=198&projectId=11262 The complete Rock Creek Park General Management plan can be viewed at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=198&projectId=11262&documentID=13218 Further Information will also be available in the
Office of the Superintendent
Rock Creek Park
3545 Williamsburg Lane, NW
Washington, D.C., 20008-1207 and at the following locations:
Chief of Planning,
National Capital Region
National Park Service
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, D.C. 20242
(202) 619-7000 and the
Office of Public Affairs
National Park Service
Department of the Interior
18th and C Streets, NW
Washington, DC 20242
(202) 208-6843.
14. How do I get on the mailing list for the calendar of events or newsletter?Call 202-895-6070 and ask to be added to the mailing list or e-mail e-mail us
15. How do I apply for a job?
Go to http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ on the internet or go to the Regional Office on Ohio Drive by the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial to look for vacancies.
16. Whom do I call for special use permits?
Call our Special Park Use Permits Office at 202-895-6000.
17. How do I reserve a picnic grove?
You must reserve them in person at the DC Department of Parks and Recreation on 16th Street. The cost is $7.00. Picnic groves labeled in blue on our map, may be reserved. There is no best picnic area, it is best to visit each one to determine if it is suitable for your group, before you go the Parks and Recreation. You may call them at 202-673-7646.
18. Where can I go horse riding? How much does it cost?
You can go horseback riding at the Horse Stables which is located next to the Nature Center. The Horse Stable does not rent horses, they give guided tours that last about an hour and cost $30. They have pony rides for young children at least 30" tall for $20.00. For more information call the Horse stables at 202-362-0118. Or you may bring your own horse. You may park your trailer at the Nature Center, but please stick to the designated bridle trails.
19. How big is the park?
The main section of Rock Creek Park is 1754 acres. In addition to the other green areas the park administers, (Glover Archbold Park, Montrose Park, Dumbarton Oaks Park, Meridian Hill Park, Battery Kemble Park, Palisades Park, Whitehaven Park, etc.) it is over 2,000 acres.
20. When was this park created?
The park was created and the land set aside in 1890. It is the oldest natural urban park in the NPS.
21. Do you have facilities for birthday parties?
We have no indoor facilities for parties. You may reserve a picnic area through the DC Department of Parks and Recreation and parties can participate with public programs that we give.
22. What is the best hiking trail?
They are all good, but my personal favorite is the Western Ridge trail north of Military Road (around the Pinehurst Branch Tributary).
23. Where can I have a wedding in Rock Creek Park? New/Different Wedding Permit Fees (as of 02/25/2000)
Re: New Fee Concerning Wedding Permits
Special Use Permits are issued for small wedding ceremonies ONLY and for three different locations in the Park - Old Stone House (garden area only), Montrose Park and Meridian Hill. Weddings have to meet the following criterion:
1) a letter to the Superintendent (ROCR) seeking permission has to be on file, indicate in the letter the following: how many people, time, place, knowledge of unbudgeted fee approximately $200.00 a note of intention about leaving the park site in a good condition.
2) small wedding gatherings (a maximum of 50 persons)
3) wedding ceremonies (approximately 1 1/2 hours ceremony)
4) the wedding activity in no way can interfere with other regular NPS park activities
5) the wedding ceremony occurs between 9:15 AM and 4:45 PM
6) a special park use permit signed by the Superintendent has to be available when requested by park officials
7) fee of $200 to cover unfunded costs, NPS maintenance personnel working the activity, park vehicle, processing special park use permit, etc.
The Park does not allow WEDDING RECEPTIONS and Rock Creek Park only provides the site for weddings. If you have any questions, please call the Special Park Uses Ranger at 202-895-6012.
24. Is my dog allowed in the park?
Dogs are allowed in Rock Creek Park as long as they are on a leash.
25. Can I camp here?
We have no campground facilities in the park. You can camp nearby at Prince William Forest Park in VA, Greenbelt Park in MD; and the C&0 Canal NHP in MD.
26. Can I have a campfire in the park?
The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:
Designated Areas: Fires allowed within fire grates in established picnic areas.
Receptacles Allowed: Individual grills allowed in established picnic groves. Charcoal must be doused with water and disposed of in a trash can after the fire is completely out.
Established Conditions for Fires: Fires allowed unless high fire danger has been declared and public notice given that fires are banned within the park.
(a)(2) The following restrictions are in effect for the use of stoves or lanterns:
Charcoal must be doused with water completely and disposed of in a trash receptacle.
(b) Fires must be extinguished according to the following conditions:
- Douse completely with water.
- Firewood may not be collected within the park.
(c) High fire danger closures will be in effect as noted: - When the superintendent declares high fire danger and issues a public notice that fires are banned within the park.
27. Can I fish in Rock Creek?
District of Columbia fishing laws and/or regulations apply throughout the park. Commercial fishing is not allowed within the park. Fishing is not allowed on Rock Creek or its tributaries north of the Porter Street bridge on Rock Creek.
28. Can I kayak/canoe in Rock Creek Park?
Launching boats is prohibited within Rock Creek Park unless water levels are at least 2 feet deep. Boats are not allowed to go over Peirce Mill Dam under any conditions. Canoes, kayaks or other similar human powered boats are allowed. Vessels must meet the following size, length or width restrictions:
- Must be less than 20 feet in length, motors not allowed.
- Hand launch only
29. Can I hold a special event in Rock Creek Park?
Reservation permits required for picnic areas 1, 6,7,8,9,10,13,23,and 24, and for use of sports fields. Contact number: 202.673.7646 for picnic permits and 202.767.8363 for sports permits.
Special Park Use permits required for construction within park land, to stage equipment, to cross park land with cables or other utilities, or to use park land for access to an adjoining site. Contact the Environmental Protection Specialist at 202.342.1443 extension 215.
The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent is required: - §1.5(d) The following activities related to Public Use Limits:
Weddings are allowed by permit at Meridian Hill Park or the gardens of Old Stone House, fee charged, contact Special Park Use Office at 202.895.6012.
Special events or First Amendment Rights demonstrations of more than 25 people require a free permit from the NCR Park Programs Office, 202.619.7225.
Groups larger than 10 horses and riders need a free permit from the Special Park Uses office, 202.895.6012
- §2.5(e) Research Specimen collection (Collection of plants, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals)
- Permits for scientific research can be applied for online, at www.science.nature.nps.gov/research. For more information, contact the Natural Resources Office at 202.895.6077.
- Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §7.96(g). Amplified sound not allowed in picnic areas. Amplified sound as part of special events must operate within decibel limits specified in permit conditions.
- §7.96(g) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events - apply for a free permit through the NCR Park Programs Office, 202.619.7225.
- §7.96(g) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views - apply for a free permit through the NCR Park Programs Office, 202.619.7225.
- §7.96(6) Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising is only allowed as part of a first amendment a special event, and must follow specifications in permit conditions.
- §2.62(b) Memorialization - (Scattering ashes from human cremation) is not allowed within Rock Creek Park.
- §4.11(a) Exceeding of established vehicle load, weight and size limits. Commercial trucks over ½ ton and busses are prohibited on roadways within Rock Creek Park.
- §5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business is not allowed within Rock Creek Park except under the provisions of a permit, contract, or written agreement with the National Park Service.
- §5.5(a) Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television requires a free permit, apply at the NCR Park Programs Office, 202.619.7225.
- (b) Still photography of vehicles, or other articles of commerce or models for the purpose of commercial advertising requires a free permit, apply at the NCR Park Programs Office, 202.619.7225.
- §5.6(b) Commercial vehicles are prohibited on roadways within Rock Creek Park.
30. Can I swim, wade, bathe in Rock Creek?
All Rock Creek Park areas are closed to swimming, bathing and wading by people and pets.
31. What is the maximum number of people we can have in a picnic area?
Picnic areas numbered 1, 6,7,8,9,10,13,23,and 24 require a reservation permit and are limited to no more than 75 people. Picnic areas 2,3,4,5,11,12,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22 operate as first-come, first-served, and limited to no more than 25 people. Large group picnics of 25 or more people are not allowed outside of numbered picnic areas unless the superintendent provides an exception in writing. Informal picnics of less than 25 people are allowed in all areas except for Dumbarton Oaks Park, Fort Stevens, and Battleground Cemetery, where no picnicking is allowed.
32. Can we have amplified music at our picnic?
Amplified sound is not allowed in picnic areas.
33.Can we have a moon bounce at our picnic?
Canopies, tents or shade structures anchored to the ground, awnings or portable pavilions are prohibited except where written permission is obtained from the Superintendent. This includes moon bounces.
And the most frequently asked question on the web site:
34. How can I get a hard copy of the map of Rock Creek Park?
Visit one of our visitor centers and pick one up, or e-mail ROCR_superintendent@nps.gov with your address and we will mail you a copy free of charge.
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