Rock Creek Regional Park

places where you won't be able to wipe the wag off your dog's tail - Rockville MD

The Park

In 1965 an earthen dam was built creating Lake Needwood to prevent small stream flooding and control sediment. In 1967 another earthen dam was constructed down the road on the north branch of Rock Creek to create Lake Bernard Frank for the same reasons. Together the two lakes are the centerpieces of the 2,700-acre Rock Creek Regional Park.

The Walks

The two sections of Rock Creek Regional Park each radiate different personalities. Lake Needwood is a bit more rough-and-tumble with picnic shelters on the shore and boaters - including an outboard powered pontoon boat that cruises the lake on weekends - out on the water. The most-favored route for canine hikers here is a trip around the 75-acre lake partly on an old access road and partly on dirt paths. This is a shady, sometimes hilly circuit that hugs the shoreline and gives your dog plenty of opportunity for a swim. Lake Frank is given over to quiet, passive recreation. Aside from fishing on the lake the primary activity to take place here is hiking. Eight miles of well-maintained trails spread out from the Meadowside Nature Center. To stretch your dog’s legs you can tour Lake Frank for over three miles on the Lakeside Trail or for those hounds with short attention spans you can jump from trail to trail on the many short, themed paths. There are many delights to found around the corners here: an old mill site, a restored log cabin, and even a covered bridge built by Rockville High School students.

Where The Paw Meets The Earth: Mostly natural

Workout For Your Dog - Modest climbs here and there

Swimming - Excellent, don’t disturb the fishermen

Restrictions On Dogs - None

Something Extra

Don’t leave without taking your dog for a stroll through the Raptor Walkway at Meadowside Nature Center, home to permanently injured, non-releasable birds of prey. At one time or another the park has hosted every species of owl native to Montgomery County, hawks, turkey vultures and a bald eagle.

Phone - (410) 592-2897

Website 

Admission Fee - None

Directions - Rockville, Montgomery County; from Norbeck Road (MD 28) take Muncaster Mill Road west. Lake Frank and Meadowside Nature Center are on the left; Lake Needwood is down on Needwood Road.

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