Rock Creek Park

A decision to keep the upper section of Beach Drive through Rock Creek Park closed to vehicles seasonally has been changed to keep traffic off the scenic drive year-round, the National Park Service has announced.

Six national parks in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia have concluded annual operations to reduce overabundant white-tailed deer. The parks, ranging from Civil War battlefields to urban sites, donated more than 19,000 pounds of venison, equalling over 75,000 meals to local nonprofits. These nonprofits serve meals locally and across the region to families in need.

This year’s window for annual deer population reduction at Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C., is scheduled to start December 1 and run through March 31, 2018. To carry out the Rock Creek Park White-tailed Deer Management Plan, temporary night-time road closures will be in effect to provide for visitor and employee safety during reduction activities. Commuters, including cyclists, are advised to plan alternate routes.

Get ready, get set, and go for a smoother and safer drive on the southern section of Beach Drive at Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. The newly reconstructed road and paved multi-use trail between Rock Creek & Potomac Parkway and Tilden Street NW are expected to reopen on August 28, pending any weather delays. New closures and associated detours will go into effect immediately after Segment 1 reopens.