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Whittier Trail Head
5 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Running trail in Washington, District of Columbia · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Whittier Trail Head'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.
What runners say about Whittier Trail Head
“On a hot summer day it felt nice to walk in the shade of these beautiful trees and the trails are well maintained.”
Whittier Trail Head is a must see for any hiking enthusiasts. Picturesque and Physical that fills your soul with Positive Energy as you fellowship with nature
Originally wanted to go to a trailhead more north but there was no place to park the Capital bikes so ended up riding a little lower to get to this trailhead. It is right off of 16th street and a little loud there but as soon as you start walking you feel like you're not in DC anymore.
Perfect place to start an adventure into Rock Creek Park. It leads to the Valley Trail. From there, you can go north towards the Holly Trail or south deep into Rock Creek towards the Boulder Bridge.
Started a mini hike from here the other day and it was so beautiful and great, highly recommend! I went down the trail and walked along the river and then came back out at the Pine Trail trailhead - it was a great 45-minute walk and very bus accessible via 16th st.
Trail conditions & character
“On a hot summer day it felt nice to walk in the shade of these beautiful trees and the trails are well maintained.”
“I went down the trail and walked along the river and then came back out at the Pine Trail trailhead - it was a great 45-minute walk and very bus accessible via 16th st.”
Plan your run at Whittier Trail Head
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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