Western Ridge Trail

Location: Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C.

Details: Park is open dawn to dusk. Nature Center and Planetarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Peirce Mill and Estate is open 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday through October, and on weekends only November through March. Free.

Length: 4.3 miles, one way.

Local color: "This is the remnant of the forest that used to cover this area," said Rock Creek Park education specialist Maggie Zadorozny of the 2.75-square-mile green space on the north side of Washington. The Western Ridge Trail begins near Military Road at the north end of the park and goes south, passing landmarks including the Nature Center and Planetarium, the Peirce Barn and the Peirce Mill.

October 2, 2012