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Glover Archbold Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 273 Google reviews · Running trail in Washington, District of Columbia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 2.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Glover Archbold Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Forest parkland offering miles of trails for runners & walkers through canopied trees.
What runners say about Glover Archbold Park
“It's beautiful and serene, and the twists and turns in the path make it an enjoyable journey.”
“I love running through the park.”
“It's a pretty shady area and Rock Creek is right next to it for a decently long segment of trail.”
“It's not well-marked, though, so check Google before you go for a longer hike.”
“Glover Archbold Park is a peaceful urban oasis with wooded trails, wildlife, and serene creek views—perfect for nature walks and escaping city noise.”
My dad and I went here to get materials to make something called a Jar Terrarium. This place is nice for hiking with small groups and large-ish groups. The only downsides for me are that you can't bike here and it's a little out of the way if your trying to get there by the bike trail.
Great for a slow jog. Can be very muddy after light rain. Canopy keeps the trail cool(er) even in 100° summers. Definitely not for bikes or picnics.
I love this little trail! You can hike from Tenleytown to Georgetown, and - in the spring and summer - you hardly know you are in the city, besides crossing a few streets! There are stairs, a bit of elevation change, a stream crossing, along with some wildlife to enjoy.
Surprising little slice of nature hidden in plain sight. The trails are in relatively good condition. Unremarkable save for the fact it cuts through northwest DC.
Trail conditions & character
“Glover Archbold Park is a peaceful urban oasis with wooded trails, wildlife, and serene creek views—perfect for nature walks and escaping city noise.”
“Glover Archbold Park is a peaceful urban oasis with wooded trails, wildlife, and serene creek views—perfect for nature walks and escaping city noise.”
“Glover Archbold Park is a peaceful urban oasis with wooded trails, wildlife, and serene creek views—perfect for nature walks and escaping city noise.”
“There are some wooden stairs to assist with the steep climb, but it's mostly a dirt trail that can get narrow at times.”
“You can hike the entire park, consisted of a moderate-difficult climb from Canal Road to Tenleytown.”
“It's a lot like a quiet and less-crowded Rock Creek Park (with a lot of dogs off-leash)”
“The entrances usually start at the street level, then descend pretty quickly into the park itself.”
Plan your run at Glover Archbold Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance2.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone+1 202-895-6000
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Washington
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Battery Kemble Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 147 reviews
This 1861 park has remnants of a Civil War battery that held a parapet & 100-pound Parrott rifles.
Klingle Road Trail head
4.9 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
