Rock Creek (DC Potomac River trib.)

Paddling is allowed in District of Columbia in Rock Creek Park (except during rush hour), but not in Montgomery Co. (although the ban is not strictly enforced). There are many access points from Rock Creek Parkway (Beach Drive).

The creek is class I in Mont. Co. and down to Military Road, and then class III for a half mile until the footbridge, with a half dozen good rapids. Below the footbridge, it is class II for a mile. The one dangerous spot, a mile below that bridge, is the 8-foot man-made falls at Pierce Mill, which has a strong hydraulic, which gets worse at higher water. If run, stick to the right side and always have throw ropes ready. Most paddlers put in just above or below Military Road and take out at Pierce Mill, for a quick 2-mile trip. Below Pierce Mill, the creek is class I with a few class II rapids, and very interesting urban scenery (bridges, the zoo, an old lime kiln, homeless people).

This is a popular run for Washington area paddlers with limited time (e.g. for after work). It needs a good rain to come up, drops about an inch per hour at moderate levels, and seldom stays up more than a day. The poor water quality discourages playing.

In 1999 several boaters were escorted off the creek in DC by Park Service Police. American Whitewater successfully resolved the conflict over access, and it is now legal to boat on Rock Creek. However, it is not legal to swim, wade, or fish in the creek. The swimming restriction is based on the fact that the water quality is low and storm sewers dump directly into this beautiful urban waterway. Stay upright, don't drink the water, and watch out for the dam at Pierce Mill.

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Rock Creek Park (DC): Access Secured!

January 17, 2000

By Jason Robertson

Great news! Rock Creek Park Police stated today that they will not prevent kayakers or canoeists from boating on the creek in the future. These statements come in response to American Whitewater's discussions with the Par

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