Montrose Park

One of the best city parks I have ever encountered. My wife, dog and I love this place.

In the north end of Georgetown is a large park that was once the estate of a ropemaker. He let neighbors picnic on his property and that legacy remains. The park became a public park in 1911. Today, it’s a large park with grassy areas with picnic tables, a playground, tennis courts and trails. One trail connects to those found in nearby Dumbarton Oaks Park, a public park behind Dumbarton Oaks Gardens.

This is a hidden gem in DC. The upper, street level of the park is a large open grassy space that includes a playground area and tennis courts. Walk back from the street through all of the this and the park turns much more natural and descends the steep forested hillside to Rock Creek. There are multiple paths down ranging from narrow footpaths to a gravel road. At the bottom is the dog beach. Many dog parents (and some people parents) come here to let their dogs swim in rock creek. The water is rapid but there is an eddy along the beach area to let small dogs swim. Bigger dogs will swim out into the current after balls and sticks. I personally only bring my dog here when it hasn’t rained heavily for at least a week and lightly for at least two days. This is because there are numerous sewage outflows into Rock Creek and its tributaries upstream of this spot. The bacterial counts in this waterway can be extremely dangerous after a storm. Even when it hasn’t rained recently the water is not considered safe for human swimming. I wade in with my pup but I am careful not to let any in my mouth and to wash my hands throughly afterwards. The pup also gets a full bath with shampoo after every visit. Despite all this it’s still my favorite place to take him in DC. He loves to run around without fear of running into traffic and explore the rocky hillsides and forest.

Great park for all humans, small and big and their canine companions. My kids love the playground, dated but great climbing and swings. Great ball chasing fields next to playground and the trails of Rock Creek Park directly below.

Fabulous urban park with wooded trails coming out onto open space, playground and rest rooms. Pets welcome