Rapids Bridge Hike in Rock Creek Park

Rapids Bridge Hike -- 2 miles

This looped hike with 252 feet of elevation gain starts at the Rock Creek Nature Center and Planetarium. After parking and stopping into the center, if you like, walk back through the parking lot towards the Horse Center (another great destination!). Head towards the horse corral and pick up the trail just to the left of it. Start your hike by walking through the forest path heading towards the creek for about 1/2 mile. You'll come to Ross Drive and see the creek beyond it. Cross the drive here and keep walking through the grassy picnic area. When you reach the bridge crossing over the creek to Beach Drive, stop. Look to your right and pick up the trail heading south along the creek.

Continue along the trail and consider popping down to the creek to let the kids climb the huge boulders here. As you head south, you'll start to see rapids forming in the creek -- the only spot this happens along the 33-mile creek. Walk until you reach Rapids Bridge. The bridge offers one of the prettiest places to snap a few pics of the kids in the park, so walk out to the middle of it, but don't cross it. There are tranquil areas to walk down to the creek here too.

When you're ready to continue, head back up to the path and continue south just about 150 feet. Look for an unmarked trail up to the right. Walk uphill along the trail alongside a little tributary to the creek. You'll come to a large bridge (Ross Drive), stay on the trail crossing under it. Continue on uphill until you reach back at the Horse Center.