🌳 6,300 Acres in the DC Suburbs — 50 Miles of Trails, 90-Acre Lake, 27-Hole Disc Golf, and Kayak Rentals — One of the largest state parks in the DC metro with 50+ miles of multi-use trails, Clopper Lake boating, championship disc golf, fishing, and historic sites — Montgomery County, Maryland
Seneca Creek State Park is a 6,300-acre green corridor stretching through the heart of Montgomery County, Maryland — one of the largest state parks in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Centered on the 90-acre Clopper Lake, the park delivers 50+ miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, plus a 27-hole championship disc golf course, kayak and canoe rentals, fishing, and historic sites dating to the 19th century.
For the millions of DC-area residents, this is an essential escape — a park so large and diverse that you can mountain bike, paddle a quiet lake, play 27 holes of disc golf, and explore a historic log cabin all in one visit. The Seneca Creek Greenway Trail connects the park to a wider trail network extending south toward the Potomac River.
What to Do
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking | 50+ miles of trails | Lake Shore Trail, Greenway Trail |
| Mountain Biking | Multi-use trails | Forested singletrack |
| Disc Golf | 27-hole course | 3 circuits, highly rated |
| Kayaking/Canoeing | Clopper Lake rentals | Electric motors only, no gas |
| Fishing | Bass, tiger muskie, catfish | Stocked lake, sunfish, bluegill |
| Horseback Riding | Equestrian trails | Bring your own horse |
| Playground | “Tire playground” | Unique recycled-tire design |
| Historic Sites | Log cabin, Black Rock Mill | 19th-century ruins |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 52–72°F | Wildflowers, trails, kayaking season starts |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 52–72°F | Foliage, disc golf, fishing |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 75–90°F | Full lake activities, boat rentals |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 28–45°F | Hiking, birding, free admission |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Entry | FREE | Mon–Fri, year-round |
| Weekend Entry | $3–$5/vehicle | Apr–Oct only |
| Kayak/Canoe Rental | $15–$20/hour | Seasonal, Clopper Lake |
| Disc Golf | FREE | 27 holes, bring your own discs |
| Day Trip | $0–$5 | 50+ miles of trails + disc golf + lake |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really 6,300 acres near DC?
Yes. Seneca Creek is one of the largest state parks in the DC metro — a massive green corridor through Montgomery County with more trails than most people explore in years.
Can I fish for tiger muskie?
Yes. Clopper Lake is stocked with tiger muskie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, sunfish, and bluegill. Maryland fishing license required.
How good is the disc golf?
Excellent. The 27-hole course (three 9-hole circuits) is one of the top-rated in the DC area, spanning forest and open terrain.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Patuxent River State Park is a short drive away, and Matthew Henson State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
🌳 DC’s Biggest Backyard
6,300 acres of trails, a 90-acre lake, 27-hole disc golf, and kayak rentals — the DC metro’s essential state park escape.
Wildlife & Nature
Seneca Creek SP — 6,300 acres along Seneca Creek. The park’s creek, hardwood forest, and wetlands support white-tailed deer, great blue herons, and barred owls. Clopper Lake (90 acres) is popular for fishing and kayaking.
Nearby Attractions
Gaithersburg — adjacent. Montgomery County — surrounding. Washington, DC — 25 miles south.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Seneca Creek State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum in designated pet areas and 10 ft in undeveloped areas; off-leash under voice control only while swimming in designated areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- At most parks pets are barred from sandy swim beaches from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; many parks allow shoreline swimming outside the swim beach
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Most cabins are pet-free, but select parks designate pet-friendly cabins (e.g. Herrington Manor cabins 1-10, New Germany cabins 3-7)
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets not allowed in park buildings or playgrounds; pets must be licensed and vaccinated
Are dogs allowed at Seneca Creek State Park?
Maryland state parks welcome leashed pets, but where they may go is set park by park under the Maryland Park Service Pet Policy — check each park's designated pet areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.maryland.gov. More: Maryland state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Seneca Creek State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
