Excellent trails (easy to moderate) that we enjoyed with a dog on a Sunday and the trails weren’t crowded. Highly Recommend the Needwood trail on the eastern side of the lake with its wonderful lakeside vistas and clearly marked trails. On the western side, we recommend the aptly named Westside Trail - this is further from the waters edge but has wider trails with lots of interesting vegetation and occasional views of the lake from a higher elevation. Not the biggest lake by far so you can go around the lake in 1-1.5 hrs. Although technically the trails do not loop around the entire lake on the northern tip, there is a pedestrian sidewalk with barriers next to the road that is outside the park property that people walk across from the west to the east side of the lake, and vice versa. The 3 picnic areas have ample shelters and picnic tables and plenty of accessible parking. We had a terrific time here.

Right close to where we live, twenty minutes ride away, is nature offerings at their best. Golf course, archery, fishing, boating, picnicking and more, all next to lake Needle wood. Peace, quiet and beautiful forest trees with lake water glimmering in the sunlight, beckons people on weekends to explore and relax, and enjoy with friends and family. You could take a cruise too at noon, one and three pm. But check timings. Cycling and trekking are great options. Spend half a day chilling with nature!

This could be a great place, but..... People let their dogs go off leash and I would not recommend bringing a young child or stroller here due to the danger. Also, there is dog poop everywhere--nobody picks up after their dog. When moving off the paved path for a cyclist I stepped in dog poop--there is dog poop near every path. No wonder the water often tests toxic and you shouldn't touch it. It's pretty much an environmental disaster.

Love Lake Needwood in Rockville! It's a piece of quiet and nature in a busy area. It has so many entrances to trails, a boathouse, fishing, trails, and a playground! The playground has an awesome zip line that kids love. Plenty of room and attractions. Dogs welcome!

We’ve been to Lake Needwood several times, and have found it to be overrun with activity and less intimate than we normally like. . .To address this, we decided NOT to drive into the park or bike on the northbound trail that has been our normal course. Instead, we parked at True Respite Brewery off E. Gude Drive and hiked the hilly 1.25-mile long trail to the southeast side of the Lake, which places you on a shaded trail away from the hustle and bustle of weekend family picnics. IT WAS WONDERFUL. After the hike, you can also visit the True Respite Brewery and keep your unconventional outing going in the unassuming office park you started from.