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Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
Maryland
Montgomery County
Bethesda

Rock Creek Trail – Lake Needwood Southeast Shore loop from Medical Center

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
Maryland
Montgomery County
Bethesda

Rock Creek Trail – Lake Needwood Southeast Shore loop from Medical Center

Moderate

4.9

(4725)

8,590

riders

Rock Creek Trail – Lake Needwood Southeast Shore loop from Medical Center

02:16

36.4km

230m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 14, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Elmhirst Parkway Neighborhood Conservation Area

Rock Creek Stream Valley Park

Rock Creek Regional Park

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

1.50 km

Elmhirst Parkway Neighborhood Conservation Area

Highlight • Forest

This small wooded spot just off city streets features paved bike paths winding through the trees and around a wetland pond. Roll in, enjoy the shade, and take a moment …

Tip by

2

4.76 km

Rock Creek

Highlight • River

Rock Creek winds through the forest, even passing near downtown Bethesda. A paved multi-use path follows alongside, weaving through the woods and connecting several parks—a nice, shaded stretch for an easy ride.

Tip by

3

15.3 km

Rock Creek Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

There's a trail following the Rock Creek. The small river runs through the middle of the forest and it's nice to cycle along through the whole year.

Tip by

4

18.3 km

Lake Needwood is a beautiful 75-acre lake at the start of the Rock Creek Trail. The lake is popular with boaters, swimmers and fishermen. It is a great place for …

Tip by

5

20.6 km

To Lake Bernard Frank

Highlight (Segment) • Lake

A gentle climb from the Rock Creek Trail up to Lake Bernard Frank. Well paved trail suitable for all riders.

Tip by

B

36.4 km

End point

Train Station

Loading

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

26.7 km

7.73 km

816 m

613 m

263 m

176 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

30.7 km

3.39 km

1.88 km

312 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (120 m)

Lowest point (60 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Wednesday 24 June

28°C

15°C

-- %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: -- km/h

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