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Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 664 Google reviews · Running trail in Rockville, Maryland · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Mattie J.T. Stepanek 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.
Local park with basketball courts, grills, outdoor fitness equipment, soccer field & tennis courts.
What runners say about Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park
“Surprised at where it is located because you can't hear any street traffic and it is so clean nice and neat.”
Great park! There is a small, toddler section with 2 slides, tunnels, and a play house. Larger section for older kids or kids who are more comfortable with larger slides. The larger section does have lots of open spots for ladders and whatnot, so not suitable if you don't think your kid is ready for that.
Very nice park in a wooded area. Has many amenities such as playground, ping pong table, excersize equipment, football field, and a decent trail to walk and pass the time.
This park is clean, well kept, and never overcrowded. Ample parking and large walking paths. The gnats are over running the park at the moment, but I guess it’s their season?
Nice park with well lit tennis courts and pickleball courts. Has a spacious parking lot too. Park's within walking distance of several shops and restaurants. The pickleball scene in this park is quite busy in the mornings and evenings.
Trail conditions & character
“The King Farm neighborhood is also very safe and pleasant, the park very clean and well kept, and plenty of parking available for those driving in.”
“Nice park with fairly large playground, tennis, and paddle courts, baseball field, dog park, and grilling area with picnic tables.”
“My only other nitpick would be there is a lack of shade on the playground itself, so it can get hot and sunny mid day.”
“This is also one of the rare parks that doesn't have wood chips the entire length.”
“There is a porta potty nxt to the dog park but also plenty of bushes to hide behind 😉”
“Perfect for strollers or scooters with a paved path around the playground and throughout the park.”
“Nice park with well lit tennis courts and pickleball courts.”
Plan your run at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiterockvillemd.gov
- Phone+1 240-314-8700
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8 pm |
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