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Rock Creek Trail – Lake Needwood Southeast Shore loop from Shady Grove

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Rock Creek Trail – Lake Needwood Southeast Shore loop from Shady Grove

Moderate

4.9

(5138)

11,400

riders

Rock Creek Trail – Lake Needwood Southeast Shore loop from Shady Grove

01:36

23.7km

190m

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 8, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Rock Creek Regional Park

North Branch Stream Valley Park

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

4.31 km

Lake Needwood

Highlight • Lake

Lake Needwood provides a peaceful escape with its calm waters and surrounding trails nestled in the heart of Maryland. It’s a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, and picnics, offering a natural retreat close to the city.

Tip by

15.3 km

Water fountain

Highlight • Rest Area

The only water fountain I saw on this loop. Make sure to stop and hydrate. It is located under Norbeck road.

Tip by

15.4 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

18.4 km

Lake Needwood Southeast Shore

Highlight • Lake

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

19.6 km

Lake Needwood (west shore)

Highlight • Lake

This lake was formed in 1965 by damming Rock Creek. The purpose was to control floods and reduce soil erosion. You can rent pedal boats, rowboats, and canoes here. There …

Tip by

19.8 km

Lake Needwood

Highlight • Lake

This lake was formed in 1965 by damming Rock Creek. The purpose was to control floods and reduce soil erosion. You can rent pedal boats, rowboats, and canoes here. There …

Tip by

23.7 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

12.2 km

6.27 km

4.76 km

291 m

152 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

11.4 km

7.79 km

3.64 km

662 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (150 m)

Lowest point (80 m)

Weather

Today

Saturday 16 May

29°C

9°C

39 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Rock Creek Trail – Lake Needwood Southeast Shore loop from Shady Grove

Lake Needwood

Water fountain

Rock Creek Trail

Lake Needwood Southeast Shore

Lake Needwood (west shore)

Lake Needwood

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