The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is an important component of the transportation network in the nation's capital and a priority project under President Obama's America's Great Outdoors initiative. The planned 20-mile trail, spanning both sides of the Anacostia River, will connect DC residents in 16 waterfront neighborhoods to their workplaces, schools, shopping, recreational amenities and the outdoors.
Currently, 12 miles of the trail have been completed, providing access to Diamond Teague Park, the historic Navy Yard, RFK Stadium and Anacostia Park. The trail's northern end will eventually connect to Maryland's Anacostia Tributary Trail System for nearly 60 miles of contiguous pathway.
Once fully completed (anticipated by January 2015), the trail will also be a popular tourist attraction, providing access to a number of national treasures, including the Tidal Basin (famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring), the National Arboretum, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and the National Mall (gateway to the US Capitol, Smithsonian museums, the Washington Monument and other iconic landmarks).
One cautionary note: For the time being, the portion of the trail that goes from the Navy Yard to 11th Street SE will only be open during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday).
Nearby Metro train stations provide convenient options to access the trail, as well as bike racks and bikesharing. The closest Metro stations to the trail are the Navy Yard Station (200 M Street SE) on the Green Line and the Potomac Avenue Station (700 14th Street SE) on the Orange/Blue Lines.
For those who are driving, paid parking lots can be found around Yards Park (10 Water St SE) and Nationals Park (1500 South Capitol Street, SE).