Summer Tree Spots: Rock Creek Park

Have you ever wanted to completely engulf yourself in nature but don't have the time for an excursion out into the country? No need to fret, as you can easily do this at Rock Creek Park without even setting foot outside the District.

Comprised of more than four square miles of urban forest and spanning portions of Wards 3 and 4, Rock Creek Park is the largest and one of the most notable parks in D.C. The park was first established by an Act of Congress in 1890, placing it among some of the nation's first national parks. Today, more than 100 years later, it is still a favorite outdoor site for Washingtonians. 

A majestic cluster of trees stand tall in Rock Creek.

Since it has been protected for such a long time, Rock Creek's forest holds some of the oldest and largest trees in Washington. Notable species you may find include tulip, white ash, American beech, hickory and red oak. By the edges of the creek green ash, hornbeam and river birch stand tall along with other varieties. This is certainly not a comprehensive species list but simply a taste of the park's vast holdings of trees.

Rock Creek's namesake creek bisects its full tree canopy in summer.

In the past, Casey Trees has hosted a number of tree walks and events at Rock Creek. While there isn't a walk scheduled at the Park in the near future, you can see what walks are coming up on our Calendar and make sure to check out the new downloadable Tree Walks section of our website. Or, craft your own tree walk and explore all the arboreal offerings throughout Rock Creek Park. It is open daily during daylight hours, so take advantage of the late sunsets sometime this summer with an outing in the park.