Dog Walkers in Sixteenth Street Heights

Sixteenth Street Heights is a mostly residential community located on the northwest side of Washington, D.C. There are some commercial establishments scattered about the community with corner shops, restaurants, and other services with a larger commercial district to the south that can be reached on foot. A recreation center is centrally located and there are many churches located along 16th Street. 

The weather in Washington, D.C. is not always amenable to on foot travel. Dog walkers who enjoy taking their dogs our regularly will need to be prepared for varying weather conditions. Winters are cold and light snow is common. Summers are hot and humid and you should avoid taking your dog for long walks when extreme heat is occurring.  Choose cooler times of the day and avoid overexertion or exposure. Severe thunderstorms also occur in warmer months and present hazardous conditions for pedestrians and pets. Take shelter and postpone your walk until storms have passed.

Sixteenth Street Heights is bordered by Rock Creek Park on its west side which creates a dominant greenway for the neighborhood. Georgia Avenue is on the east side, Missouri Avenue on the north, and Piney Branch Park is located at the southern extreme of the neighborhood. 

The region is full of vintage homes of varying styles. Row houses, single-family homes, and duplexes are prevalent in American Craftsman and American Four Style architecture. Some sections of the neighborhood are more affluent while other areas have more moderate homes. Private properties are well landscaped with lots of trees, shrubs, and lawns and are well maintained and attractive.   

Residential streets are lined with sidewalks and grassy berms that create safe, pleasant walkways for pets and people. The region is hilly, although most hills and inclines are not steep.  Be prepared for some elevation changes, especially on long hikes in this neighborhood. Choose your route to match you and your dog's abilities.

The Piney Branch Park is located at the southern end of Sixteenth Street Heights. This greenway runs along a tributary of Rock Creek and also has nature trails, varying terrain, and wildlife so you should keep your dog leashed. 

 If you are looking for some off-leash fun, try the Upshur Dog Park on the neighborhood's east side. This large enclosed area has a gravel base for drainage, however, there are not separate areas for large and small dogs, so make sure your pup is well socialized.