Join us on the Parks Ale Trail adventure! Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, getting here is easy.
Here you’ll find all the directions and details you need to navigate your way to an unforgettable experience!
Vehicle Parking
Public parking is available at the following locations.
Parking Lots
- Multiple parking lots are available around Lake Needwood within Rock Creek Regional Park. Please see the event map for parking locations.
Street Parking
- Street parking is available in different areas along Beach Drive and Lake Needwood Circle. Please only park in designated spaces along these roads.
Needwood Mansion (6700 Needwood Rd, Derwood, MD 20855)
- Additional parking can be found on the lawn of Needwood Mansion. After turning into the Mansion driveway, staff will direct you where to park on the lawn.
Bicycle Parking
We encourage eco-friendly travel! Bike parking is available at both the Main Festival area and the Mid-Hike Beer Garden.
Main Festival Area – Free Bike Valet
- Accepts all bike types: road, e-bikes, cargo bikes
- Also accepts helmets, strollers, and scooters (no bags)
- Secure, monitored, and completely free
Mid-Hike Beer Garden – Self-Serve Racks
- Bring your own lock
- Racks available for secure, unattended parking
What Is a Bike Valet?
Think of it like a coat check for your bike! Trained attendants will tag and store your bike securely while you enjoy the event.
How It Works
- Provide your name and cell number at check-in
- Receive a digital claim ticket via SMS
- Your items are tagged and stored in a monitored area
- When you’re ready to leave, show your SMS ticket to retrieve your bike
- Multiple bikes? You’ll get a separate message for each
- A reminder text will be sent 15 to 30 minutes before the event ends
Safety & Conditions
- The valet service is free and secure
- Bikes are monitored at all times
- Conditions of use must be accepted at check-in. Review them here: Bike Valet Liability Waiver.
- For more information, please visit https://bikevaletdmv.com/event/parks-ale-trail-at-lake-needwood/
Nearby Trails
Nearby trails that lead to Lake Needwood.
Avery Rd Trail Access/Lake Frank Parking Lot:
- Estimated Distance: 1.10 miles (25-minute walk, 8-minute bike ride)
- Surface Type: Natural and paved surface trails
Gude Trail:
- Estimated Distance: 1.50 miles (36-43 minute walk, 15-19 minute bike ride)
- Surface Type: Natural surface trails
Upper Rock Creek Trail:
- Estimated Distance: 2 miles (50-minute walk, 20-minute bike ride)
- Surface Type: Natural surface trails
Lakeside Trail – Norbeck Rd Trail Connector:
- Estimated Distance: 2.10 miles (50-minute walk, 12-minute bike ride)
- Surface Type: Natural and paved surface trails
Public Transport
Both bus stops are located near Lake Needwood.
Stop at Muncaster Mill Rd & Needwood Rd:
- To enter the event from Muncaster Mill Rd & Needwood Rd via public transportation, take Bus #53 to the Muncaster Mill Rd & Needwood Rd stop (Stop ID: 23810)
- Head north on Muncaster Mill Rd, then turn left onto Needwood Rd
- Attendees can head south on Beach Dr or take the scenic Needwood Trail along the lake to the Main Festival area
Stop at E Gude Dr & 600:
- To enter the event from E Gude Dr & 600 via public transportation, take Bus 59 to the E Gude Dr & 600 stop (Stop ID: 23208)
- Head northwest on E Gude Dr, then turn right towards Gude Trail
- Take the Gude Trail to the Westside Trail
- Attendees can take a left on Westside Trail, proceed north for 0.60 miles to the mid-hike beer garden, or take a right on Westside Trail, proceed east for 0.30 miles to the Main Festival area