The Historic Trails of Rock Creek Park: Cultural Landscape Report, Rock Creek Park, National Park Service

Poss, Deana; McMillen, Frances; Vazquez, Nancy

The origins of the Rock Creek Park trail system can be traced to the informal foot paths and trails created by American Indians hunting, fishing and quarrying stone in the Rock Creek Valley. The exact trails created are unknown, but over the years, a trail system emerged and was expanded as the area was slowly developed by European colonists. The establishment of mills along the creek and tributaries necessitated the construction of roads and trails to gain access to these commercial operations from the farms in the area. These roads became the foundation on which the circulation system of Rock Creek Park was built; many are still in operation today as park streets or have been converted to bridle or foot trails and serve today’s valley visitors looking to escape the city. This Cultural Landscape Report for the Historic Trails of Rock Creek Park documents the history and significance of the park’s trail system and its features and provides guidance for future management of the trails. Historical narratives and period maps were developed for nine historical periods and relied upon extensive research of primary and secondary documentation, field investigations, and the analysis of historical maps. An in-depth field survey conducted between fall 2010 and fall 2011, documented all visible above-ground features and existing conditions, and this data was converted into a trails database. After careful analysis of Rock Creek Park’s trail system, a period of significance was defined to be from 1890-1972, which encompasses the park’s establishment through the early years of the bicycle boom. The focus of this period of significance is on the trail system as a whole. The treatment plan for the Historic Trails of Rock Creek Park outlines a long-term management plan and preservation strategy for the trail system. Overarching goals, principles and policies serve as guide for the future maintenance and rehabilitation efforts for the historic trail system. Paramount is the goal to “maintain the historic character of the trail system and its character defining features.” In the 1934 report, Malcolm Kirkpatrick wrote about the trails stating, “Anything mentioned heretofore that would improve the landscape character of the park, will make possible keener enjoyment of these diversions. Riding and walking do not demand complicated treatment, but a sympathetic approach to construction and maintenance operations is vital.” Kirkpatrick’s premise serves as a catalyst for this treatment plan. The plan defines a hierarchy for the historic trails (bridle, foot and multi-use) to offer guidance for existing maintenance and any future trail development. The guidelines are then organized in greater detail by the various characteristics of the trail system, such as route, views and vegetation, trail cross-section, tread, retaining walls, bridges, and signage to name a few. Combined, these guidelines will offer support for park staff and volunteers to maintain the trail system with a unified focus that allows for the preservation of significant historic trails and the future growth needs of the trail system.

The Historic Trails of Rock Creek Park: Cultural Landscape Report, Rock Creek Park, National Park Service

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