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SSSS_car_go t1_iu7my32 wrote

Rock Creek Park is vast, and changes every day. There’s a world to explore in your backyard.

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Rooster_Ties t1_iu8ebve wrote

This is really the best answer. An absolutely oasis of nature, practically right through the middle of the District — and Rock Creek’s size is really vast.

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MadGeographer t1_iu8lii8 wrote

Try the network of trails north of Military Road. It’s hard to believe you are in the city. The Western Ridge Trail is the main artery and there are tons of little trails that stem from it. The other main River trail runs adjacent Rock Creek and it’s also nice, but more frequently used.

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MF_Doomed t1_iu9gfun wrote

Any suggestions for someone who constantly gets lost and is intimidated by the vastness lol

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rusticcentipede t1_iu9jjhy wrote

The major trails match up reasonably well on Google maps. You could also walk in the farther north parts of the park where it's more one winding trail and less a vast forest -- just pick where you want to enter the trail and where you want to exit.

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SSSS_car_go t1_iu9op8w wrote

I am a big fan of the CityMapper app, and never get lost any more. I ride my bicycle through the park an average of 50 miles a week, which means I frequently try new trails for variety and it has never steered me wrong, and finds the tiniest trails, almost deer paths, to get me from Point A to Point B. No matter where you are, it can lead you back to civilization, or at least to the closest street/metro station. As for vastness, you can start small by getting yourself to Peirce Mill or Veirs Mill (MoCo, but in the Rock Creek watershed), which has many simple trails nearby. And for a simple hike, again in MoCo, hie thee to Lake Needwood. The trail around it is, I think, 3 miles, and will give you a breath of fresh air and many gorgeous views of the lake.

(Side note: I have traveled to multiple US and European cities, and CityMapper has been available in each. Thank goodness, because I always used to get lost!)

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