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Print Friendly MapEnjoy the natural beauty of our Nation's Capital by exploring Rock Creek Park via pedestrian-only roads! Winding through Rock Creek Park in Northwest DC, three sections of Beach Drive have been designated for recreational use. Permanently closed to vehicles, the roadway provides new opportunities for walking, running, biking, and other activities. The wide, paved surface is accessible for people using mobility aids and for families with strollers, who might have a more difficult time on the park's rough hiking trails.
From north to south the pedestrian/cyclist sections of Beach Drive run from the DC/Maryland line to West Beach Drive, from Wise Road to Picnic Area 10, and from Joyce Road to Broad Branch Road. For those interested in a longer adventure, check out the other Rock Creek Park Trails. The park has a number of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.
The National Parks Service announced their decision to close these sections to motor vehicles on November 2, 2022. Combined with Bingham Drive and Sherrill Drive, both of which have also been closed to vehicles, the park now has about 5 miles of roadway reserved for outdoor recreation. The park has picnic areas, water stations, restrooms, historical landmarks, and beautiful scenery. Locations of restrooms and water stations are marked on the TrailLink map.
Washington, DC's public transit systems offer a number of options for accessing Beach Drive. To plan your trip, check out the websites for the Metro, DC Circulator, Capital Bikeshare, or see all options on the District's Department of Transportation website.
For those driving, parking is available near the ends of each section. Parking locations are marked on the map and step-by-step directions are available when a starting location is entered.
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