Find the top rated bike trails in Ft Washington, whether you're looking for an easy short bike trail or a long bike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a bike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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| Trail Image | Trail Name | States | Length | Surface | Rating |
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Winding along its namesake river, from Maryland into southeast D.C., the Anacostia River Trail (also known as the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail) provides an outstanding recreation and...
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DC, MD | 21.5 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk, Brick, Concrete |
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The paved 13-mile B&A Trail connects the Chesapeake Bay cities of Baltimore and Annapolis. Along with extensive historical markers, this trail features the Planet Walk, a multi-mile display that might...
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MD | 13.3 mi | Asphalt |
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The only trail in the U.S. fully encircling an international airport, the BWI Trail, also known as the BWI Hiker-Biker Trail, hosts walkers, bikers, runners, and aviation enthusiasts alike. Takeoffs...
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MD | 12.4 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk |
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Black Hill Trail offers a 4.5-mile wooded trek with gentle inclines through Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds, Maryland, just outside of Washington, D.C. The trail is primarily paved, though a short...
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MD | 4.5 mi | Asphalt, Dirt |
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The Bluemont Junction Trail is a short paved trail that branches off from the popular Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) in the heart of Arlington. The trail was built on a spur line that once...
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VA | 1.3 mi | Asphalt |
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The Town of Brentwood is tucked between Mt Rainier & Hyattsville in Prince George's County, Maryland. This short stretch of paved trail sits on the crest of a levee along the south bank of the...
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MD | 0.9 mi | Asphalt |
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The Broadneck Peninsula Trail is 2.43 miles of asphalt walking and biking pathway in east Annapolis. The trail runs parallel to College Parkway, from Bay Dale Dr. to Old Cape St. Claire Road, across...
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MD | 2.43 mi | Asphalt |
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The Burke Lake Loop Trail is a 4.6-mile loop around the scenic Burke Lake.
About the Route
The Burke Lake Loop Trail sits in Burke Park, offering access to various activities like mini golf,...
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VA | 4.6 mi | Gravel |
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Burke VRE Trail lies within Pohick Stream Valley Park and provides an important commuting and recreational corridor, connecting a shopping center, residential neighborhoods, and a Virginia Railway...
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VA | 1.4 mi | Asphalt |
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Detour Notice: As of September 2017, the Capital Crescent Trail east of downtown Bethesda was closed due to the construction of the Purple Line light-rail system. It is estimated that the reopening of...
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DC, MD | 12.7 mi | Asphalt |
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Following the Potomac River, the C&O Canal Towpath traverses the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park for 184.2 miles between Cumberland, Maryland, and the Georgetown neighborhood in...
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DC, MD | 184.2 mi | Brick, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt |
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Explore the best of the Eastern Shore of Maryland on Queen Anne’s County’s Cross Island Trail, which runs the width of Kent Island for 9.3 miles, stretching between two nature parks.
While the...
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MD | 9.13 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk |
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Note: This developing route is not yet fully contiguous – it is just over 50% complete. Please refer to the Trail Map for more information on the existing sections of trail, as well as the online...
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DC, IA, ID, IL, IN, MD, MT, NE, OH, PA, WA, WV, WY | 3743.9 mi | Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone |
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The Grist Mill Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park runs along the Patapsco River for 2.5 miles between Ilchester Road and Lost Lake. The heavily wooded paved trail passes by various historical sites...
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MD | 2.5 mi | Asphalt |
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Maryland's Indian Creek Trail is one of the shorter components of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System, but it serves as a vital link between the town of Berwyn Heights, Maryland, and scenic Lake...
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MD | 1.5 mi | Asphalt |
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Although located within easy reach of the Washington, D.C., metro area, the Indian Head Rail Trail in southern Maryland seems far removed from the hectic pace of urban life. The 13-mile paved rail...
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MD | 12.9 mi | Asphalt |
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The Klingle Valley Trail spans just shy of a mile in a leafy, residential area of northwest Washington, DC. The trail opened in June 2017 and is accessible to the neighborhoods of Cleveland Park,...
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DC | 0.73 mi | Asphalt |
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In Northern Virginia’s suburban community of Springfield, Lake Accotink Park provides a wilderness escape amid the city surroundings. The 500-acre park features picnic areas, miniature golf, an...
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VA | 4.5 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Gravel |
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The Lake Artemesia Trailone component of the larger Anacostia Tributary Trail Systemcompletely encircles its scenic eponymous lake in Prince George's County, Maryland. The trail is also a great...
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MD | 1.35 mi | Asphalt |
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Lake Frank is a 54-acre reservoir located in the heart of Rock Creek Regional Park in Derwood, east of Rockville. The reservoir, together with Lake Needwood was created for flood control and was named...
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MD | 1.8 mi | Asphalt |
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The Lake Mercer Loop Trail wraps around Lake Mercer in Fairfax and is slightly over five miles in length.
About the Route
There are several parks along the route and near the trail, including...
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VA | 5.3 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone |
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Little Falls Trail is a hike-and-bike pathway in Montgomery County, Maryland. Winding through parks and along creeks, the trail runs parallel to the popular Capital Crescent Trail for part of its...
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MD | 2.2 mi | Asphalt |
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The Long Branch Trail is a neighborhood trail tracing the Long Branch Creek beginning at its confluence with Sligo Creek in Takoma Park, to Piney Branch Road in Long Branch. The trail is an easy ride:...
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MD | 1.2 mi | Asphalt |
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The MacArthur Boulevard Bike Path follows the winding road through the communities of Bethesda and Potomac, just north of Washington, DC. Along the way, the path passes shops in Cabin John and Glen...
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MD | 8 mi | Asphalt |
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This 3.45-mile paved trail follows the Magruder Branch creek, beginning at the Damascus Recreational Park on Kings Valley Road. It’s a relatively flat trail for most of its length, barring the steeper...
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MD | 3.45 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk |
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The Marvin Gaye Trail offers a paved pathway through the Deanwood, Burville, Lincoln Heights, and Hillbrook neighborhoods of Washington, DC. Just shy of 2 miles, it runs from Minnesota Avenue NE, near...
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DC | 1.9 mi | Asphalt |
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The Matthew Henson Trail runs along a paved surface (rough in places from tree roots) through a narrow band of forested green space between the Rock Creek Trail just south of Veirs Road and Alderton...
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MD | 4.5 mi | Asphalt |
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Mount Airy Rails to Trails (R2T) is currently 1 mile long split into two unconnected half-mile sections. Following a former railroad corridor, it will one day span nearly 4 miles across the Town of...
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MD | 1 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk, Crushed Stone, Gravel |
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Hugging Arlington’s Potomac River waterfront, the Mount Vernon Trail links Gateway Park in Rosslyn with George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Northern Virginia. Just across the river from central...
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VA | 18 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk, Brick, Concrete |
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The Northeast Branch Trail, Lake Artemesia Trail, and Paint Branch Trail combine to form an 8.3-mile segment of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System in Prince George’s County. Connecting in the south...
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MD | 8.3 mi | Asphalt |
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Oxon Run is the name of a tributary of the Potomac River in southeast DC, which lends its name to both the trail system and park in which the trail loop is found. The trail on both sides of the...
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DC | 3.4 mi | Asphalt |
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Maryland is home to two Paint Branch Trails, this one in Montgomery County and another farther south in Prince George's County.
This Paint Branch Trail offers a well-shaded, paved pathway...
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MD | 2.3 mi | Asphalt |
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Prince George's County's Paint Branch Trail (not to be confused with Montgomery County's Paint Branch Trail farther north) runs for 4 miles between Lake Artemesia and Cherry Hill Road Community Park...
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MD | 4 mi | Asphalt |
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Whether by wheel or foot, many off-road trips in southern Howard County involve the Patuxent Branch Trail. Opened in 1997, the 4.5-mile regional trail connects to an extensive network of local trails...
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MD | 4.35 mi | Asphalt |
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Providing an important urban link between the Crystal City area of Arlington and the western edge of historical Alexandria, the Potomac Yard Trail is a huge boon to the area for commuting as well as...
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VA | 2 mi | Asphalt |
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The Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail provides a safe pathway for students, from kindergartners to doctoral candidates, to walk and bike to school in College Park, Riverdale Park, and Hyattsville. The...
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MD | 4.3 mi | Asphalt |
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Located in the northwestern neighborhoods of Washington, D.C., Rock Creek Park serves as a lush natural oasis spanning more than 1,700 acres in the bustling heart of the nation’s capital. Established...
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DC | 8.5 mi | Asphalt |
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Rock Creek Trail forms a winding path, at times narrow, through the urban greenway of Rock Creek Regional Park. The trail extends between Needwood Lake northeast of Rockville, MD, and the Washington,...
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MD | 16 mi | Asphalt |
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Rocky Run Stream Valley Trail is part of the countywide trail system. This trail runs from the Fairfax County Parkway to Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. The distance along the trail from the Parkway to the...
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VA | 4.6 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone |
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The 1.3-mile St. Michaels Nature Trail skirts the western edge of the scenic town of St. Michaels, Maryland, which was built on the site of a 17th-century Anglican church that eventually lent the...
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MD | 1.3 mi | Asphalt |
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Southern Maryland's Three Notch Trail is a work in progress under the guidance of St. Mary's County and other stakeholders.
About the Route
Currently, two portions are open for use: In the...
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MD | 13.1 mi | Asphalt |
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The first thing you may notice about the Trolley Line #9 Trail is the boardwalk that curves between the bluffs of massive rock. The granite was hand cut in the 1890s when the electric streetcar rails...
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MD | 1.5 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk |
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Formerly known as the Parklawn North Trail, this path provides a bike-ped connection from the Twinbrook neighborhood to the Rock Creek Trail. The paved trail begins at the end of Rock Creek Mill Road,...
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MD | 0.8 mi | Asphalt |
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Situated midway between the nation’s capital and the Virginia capital of Richmond, the Virginia Central Railway Trail currently spans 4.5 miles throughout Fredericksburg.
About the Route
The...
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VA | 4.5 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
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The Warrenton Branch Greenway follows a segment of the former Warrenton Branch Spur railroad, running between downtown Warrenton (at S. 4th Street) and Meetze Road. The Warrenton Branch was...
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VA | 2 mi | Asphalt |
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The 44.4-mile Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD), one of suburban Washington, D.C.’s most popular rail-trails, is a fantastic link between the state’s rural and historical past and the nation’s...
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VA | 44.4 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone |
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The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail provides a superb 4.1-mile link between Alexandria, VA, and Maryland's National Harbor over the Potomac River.
About the Route
This well-used trail crosses on the...
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MD, VA | 4.1 mi | Concrete |
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The 29.9-mile Anacostia Tributary Trail System includes a number of trails linked together and managed by the National Park Service.
About the Route
This trail system carries trail users...
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MD | 29.9 mi | Asphalt |
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The Arlington Loop is composed of four local trails—the Mount Vernon Trail, the Custis Trail, the Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD), and the Four Mile Run Trail. Together they create a paved...
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VA | 16 mi | Asphalt, Boardwalk, Concrete |
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The Bethesda Trolley Trail—also known as the North Bethesda Trail—is a 3.5-mile path linking Bethesda and North Bethesda, primarily by bridging two major highways. The trail occupies the abandoned...
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MD | 5.4 mi | Asphalt |
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Cameron Station Linear Park is the quintessential neighborhood trail. Located in Alexandria, a suburb of Washington, D.C., it offers a pleasant paved pathway frequented by joggers, dog walkers,...
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VA | 1 mi | Asphalt |
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The Carl Henn Millennium Trail is Rockville's bicycle beltway. The paved 10-mile loop connects residential neighborhoods, parks, shops, restaurants, and more.
About the Route
The Carl Henn...
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MD | 10.7 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
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Between 1900 and 1935, the Chesapeake Beach Railway whisked vacationers from Washington, DC, to the grand hotels, beaches, and boardwalk of the resort town of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. Now tourists...
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MD | 1.3 mi | Boardwalk |
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The Custis Trail is a popular urban route that links Virginia's D.C. suburbs with the District itself, connecting to both the W&OD Railroad Regional Park Trail at the latter's 4-mile marker and the...
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VA | 4 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
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Downs Park Trail is located in Downs Park on the Chesapeake Bay just north of Gibson Island. The 3.5-mile perimeter trail is paved, popular for walkers and cyclists alike, and an additional 1.5 miles...
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MD | 5 mi | Asphalt, Dirt |
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Although it parallels Eisenhower Avenue, this paved pathway is not without its charms. On its west end, Alexandria's Eisenhower Avenue Trail begins in Hensley Park, which offers plentiful parking and...
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VA | 2 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
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A winding line of asphalt meanders between Glenn Dale Park in Lanham to Annapolis Road. The trail is sheltered amongst the riparian woodland of Folly Branch. At the north end of the trail can be...
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MD | 2.9 mi | Asphalt |
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The Four Mile Run Trail traverses the Four Mile Run stream valley and has many twists and turns, not to mention steep sections (mercifully short). The 6.3-mile trail more or less parallels the popular...
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VA | 6.3 mi | Asphalt |
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This paved path parallels Georgia Avenue along the west side, and provides easy access to the Intercounty Connector Trail (ICC Trail).
Starting at the southern endpoint, the trail follows Georgia...
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MD | 1.2 mi | Asphalt |
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The Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail is a multi-use trail that follows along the various stream valleys in Fairfax County, Virginia for 41.4 miles. It is officially named the Gerry Connolly Cross...
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VA | 40 mi | Asphalt, Ballast, Concrete, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Gravel |
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The Gwynns Falls Trail is a nearly 20-mile continuous corridor that winds through dozens of west and southwest Baltimore neighborhoods, parks, and historical and cultural landmarks and the urban...
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MD | 19.7 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone |
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Visitors to the Henson Creek Trail in the sprawling suburbs of southwestern Prince George’s County may be surprised by the extent of woodlands and open space along this corridor that lies just outside...
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MD | 5.7 mi | Asphalt |
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The 2.5-mile Herring Run Trail is a neighborhood gem that runs through Herring Run Park, a scenic 375-acre stream-valley oasis in Northeast Baltimore. This loop trail, bordered by Harford Road to the...
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MD | 2.5 mi | Asphalt, Dirt |
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Closure Notice: Parts of this trail were heavily damaged due to flood-related erosion in 2018 and 2019, forcing the closure of certain segments, especially near the Holmes Run Parkway bridge, and...
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VA | 6.6 mi | Asphalt, Concrete, Crushed Stone |
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Maryland's Intercounty Connector Trail serves as an important commuting route across Montgomery County and Prince George's County. It gets its name from the Intercounty Connector (also known as State...
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MD | 8 mi | Asphalt |
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Curving around the perimeter of the Army's Forest Glen Annex, the paved portion of the Ireland Trail is 1.5 miles and winds through the woods, making for a pleasant and scenic excursion into nature....
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MD | 1.5 mi | Asphalt |
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Running north to south for over 12 miles along the Jones Falls Stream Valley, the Jones Falls Trail is one of the Baltimore region’s premier urban trails. Combining pristine forested stream valleys...
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MD | 12.4 mi | Asphalt |
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The Kent Island South Trail is one of two popular recreational trails on Maryland’s Kent Island, the largest island in the Chesapeake Bay (the other is the Cross Island Trail). The trail runs parallel...
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MD | 5.8 mi | Asphalt |
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The Linton Hall Road Trail runs parallel to its namesake—also signed as State Route 619—in western Prince William County. More utilitarian than scenic, the trail acts as a transportation route for...
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VA | 5.4 mi | Asphalt |
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The Lone Wolf Trail is a 1-mile trail in Anne Arundel County Maryland. The trail is connected to two already existing trails: The Strawberry Lake Way Bicycle Path, and the WB&A Trail. Although the...
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MD | 1 mi | Asphalt |
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Although less than two miles long, the Meadowlark Connector Trail provides a terrific link between the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and the popular W&OD Trail. The trail meets the W&OD in Vienna;...
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VA | 1.25 mi | Asphalt |
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Connecting Union Station, historic D.C. neighborhoods, and the bustling beltway town of Silver Spring, the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) weaves connectivity, post-industrial renewal, and outdoor fun...
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DC, MD | 7.9 mi | Asphalt |
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The Northwest Branch Trail travels a sylvan setting through a string of parks in the Maryland suburbs northeast of Washington, D.C. The 17.4-mile greenway connects the commercial-residential centers...
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MD | 17.4 mi | Asphalt, Dirt |
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The Rappahannock Canal Walk follows the old towpath along the disused canal just northwest of downtown Fredericksburg. The path follows a winding course past old suburban back yards and through a...
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VA | 1.8 mi | Asphalt |
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The separated multi-use Rosewick Road Sidepath provides a direct link for both recreation and transportation between the southern Maryland communities of St. Charles and La Plata. The path runs...
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MD | 5.2 mi | Asphalt |
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Only a mile long, the Savage Mill Trail rolls through a significant piece of Howard County’s industrial heritage as it crosses the grounds of an old textile mill complex on the Little Patuxent River....
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MD | 1.2 mi | Asphalt, Dirt, Gravel |
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The bustling D.C. metro area seems light-years away from the parklands bordering the Sligo Creek Trail in the Maryland suburbs northeast of the city. The paved stream-valley trail follows the...
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MD | 9.4 mi | Asphalt |
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The developing South Shore Trail will one day stretch 14 miles between Annapolis and Odenton. It's also part of the larger East Coast Greenway, a widespread network connecting trails from Maine to...
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MD | 2 mi | Asphalt |
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Baltimore’s Stony Run Trail follows an old Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad line through nearly 3 miles of wooded stream valleys and small parks, providing a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle...
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MD | 2.9 mi | Asphalt, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass, Gravel, Woodchips |
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The Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis (WB&A) Trail runs for 13.2 miles through Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County.
About the Route
The northern section of the trail in Anne Arundel...
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MD | 13.2 mi | Asphalt |
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Running parallel to Beulah Street from Franconia to Fort Belvoir in southeast Fairfax County, the paved Beulah Street Sidepath provides a link to numerous neighborhoods along its route. A parallel...
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VA | 3.25 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
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This paved sidepath runs parallel to Centreville Road/State Route 657, providing a safe route for alternative transportation along the busy suburban roadway in western Fairfax County. The trail runs...
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VA | 4.7 mi | Asphalt |
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The Cub Run Stream Valley Trail offers a paved route meandering through Cub Run Stream Valley Park in the Northern Virginia suburb of Centreville. Though it's surrounded by residential neighborhoods,...
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VA | 9.1 mi | Asphalt |
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The Fairfax County Parkway Trail parallels Fairfax County Parkway/State Route 286 on its route across Fairfax County, Virginia.
About the Route
While the paved trail varies in width and...
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VA | 28.3 mi | Asphalt |
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The John Overstreet Connector is a 1.5-mile trail segment that links the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail and BWI Trail. The shortbut vitaltrail is named after Overstreet, a retiree from Glen Burnie,...
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MD | 1.5 mi | Asphalt |
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This short rail-with-trail is short but makes some pretty significant connections: it links the King Street and Braddock Road metro stations. It also connects to the Potomac Yard Trail, helping to...
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VA | 0.5 mi | Asphalt |
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The Ox Road Sidepath is a paved trail that runs parallel to Ox Road/State Route 123 in Fairfax County. The trail runs from George Mason University's main Fairfax campus to just south of the former...
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VA | 11.5 mi | Asphalt |
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The Stringfellow Road Sidepath runs for three miles through Chantilly and Centreville in Northern Virginia's Fairfax County. The asphalt and concrete trail connects multiple neighborhoods to various...
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VA | 3 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
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The Sudley Manor Drive Trail runs parallel to the southern 4.5 miles of its namesake road in western Prince William County. The trail services a number of the surrounding communities, such as Bristow...
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VA | 4.3 mi | Asphalt |
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The Braddock Road Sidepath parallels Braddock Road and New Braddock Road (State Route 620) between Centreville and Burke, two bedroom communities in Northern Virginia's Fairfax County. The trail...
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VA | 10 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
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Enjoy the natural beauty of our Nation's Capital by exploring Rock Creek Park via pedestrian-only roads! Winding through Rock Creek Park in Northwest DC, three sections of Beach Drive have been...
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DC | 5 mi | Asphalt |
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The Blake Lane Sidepath runs for 3 miles, linking Oak Marr Park and Recreation Center with neighborhoods, Oakton High School and other parks. Most of the trail is concrete and the width of a standard...
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VA | 3 mi | Asphalt, Concrete |
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The Folly Lick Branch Trail begins in Herndon, a northern Virginia suburb. The paved pathway begins off Herndon Parkway and winds northeast along the Folly Lick Branch stream through a residential...
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VA | 2 mi | Asphalt |
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This short sidepath parallels Herndon Parkway on the eastern edge of Herndon in Northern Virginia. Much of the trail is the width of a standard sidewalk, and it includes crosswalks and curb-cuts at...
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VA | 2 mi | Concrete |
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This bike and pedestrian path threads through the park of the same name. The trail exists in 2 sections: the northern segment begins in the Fairland Recreational Park and winds south, eventually...
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MD | 6.4 mi | Asphalt |
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Opened in 2009, the short Lord Fairfax Community College Connector Trail extends from the parking lot of the junior college to its temporary endpoint in a scenic wildlife area. Eventually, an extended...
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VA | 0.3 mi | Crushed Stone |
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The Mary Washington Hospital Trail runs along the southeast border of the hospital center, proving a pleasant stroll or gentle bike ride for hospital visitors and patients.
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VA | 0.75 mi | Concrete |
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The 3-mile separated multi-use path along Middletown Road allows for safe recreation and transportation along the western side of Waldorf, Maryland. The trail begins just south of State Route 228 and...
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MD | 3 mi | Asphalt |
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The #8 Streetcar Path runs just a short distance (0.33 mile) along part of the route of the former streetcar system that once ran between Catonsville and Ellicott City. The streetcar operated from...
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MD | 0.33 mi | Crushed Stone |
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Annapolis' Poplar Trail runs for nearly 1 mile on a section of the old Washington, Baltimore & Annapolis right-of-way in the heart of Maryland's capital city. Although short, the trail is a vital part...
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MD | 0.9 mi | Asphalt |
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The Rappahannock River Heritage Trail offers a pleasant, paved route in the center of Fredericksburg with beautiful views of the Rappahannock River. Part of the trail winds through Old Mill Park,...
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VA | 1.6 mi | Asphalt |
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The Strawberry Lake Way Bicycle Path is a 2.2 mile trail that is located between Laurel and Annapolis in Anne Arundel County Maryland. The trail starts at Piney Orchard Elementary School, and ends at...
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MD | 2.2 mi | Asphalt |
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Right in the middle of the Herndon suburbs, the Sugarland Run Stream Valley Trail provides an Oasis for hikers and bikers looking to escape into the woods. For it's nearly 3 mile run, the trail...
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VA | 6 mi | Asphalt |
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The Suitland Parkway trail is a short paved multi-use path that runs adjacent to Suitland Parkway in SE D.C. to the border with Maryland. Proposed construction may extend the trail to the Branch...
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DC | 1.7 mi | Asphalt |
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The Vesper Trail, which opened in 2019, serves as a short but important connector between Tysons and northern Vienna. The pathway spans 0.4 miles between the Spring Hill Metro Station (on the Silver...
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VA | 0.4 mi | Asphalt |
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The West Campus Access Road Trail, the newest rail-trail in Washington, D.C., travels through the sprawling former campus of St. Elizabeths Hospital, now set to become the new home of the Department...
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DC | 0.4 mi | Concrete |
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The West Ox Road Sidepath is a short paved trail along the west side of West Ox Road. The trail extends from the Oak Hill area of Fairfax County to southeastern Chantilly (near Fair Oaks Mall in...
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VA | 2.9 mi | Asphalt |
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The White’s Mill Trail provides a scenic route through wetlands and residential areas in the rural town of Warrenton. Trail-goers will enjoy the natural beauty of the Cedar Run valley and wildlife...
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VA | 1.3 mi | Asphalt |
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We started at Lake Needwood which had great parking. The trail is not well maintained. It is bumpy most of the way south. It looks like there has been some attempt to patch the asphalt but the transitions were not smoothed out so many jarring bumps. Also tree roots have pushed up the trail which is not unusual but given all the other bumps it was annoying. Also be aware that from Lake Needwood - it is downhill so if you are returning to the same spot, you will have an uphill climb which is not too bad.
there are some really old bridges that go over the C&O. the highlight is the paw paw tunnel. better to walk through it. once you hit little orleans, i suggest going on the western maryland trail. it is fully paved and nice.
hancock is a great town
Even though the trail is in an urban setting it is surprisingly lush and beautiful. There is actually a marsh land half way that is a gorgeous place to rest and take some photos. The trail is smooth and pretty flat. Nice enjoyable easy ride.
Multiple spots to stop. Most of the trail is shaded. There are some beautiful spots to stop on either end of the trail. Never over packed. I always see a ton of wildlife, which my kids love. It's not hard to bike, mostly flat.
I started riding this trail in 2018 and rode it 3-5 times a summer. It was a great trail that allowed you to get 12 miles in before riding the Cross Island Trail just 3 miles away. The tree roots have been bulging the asphalt for the past 7 years and now it is so bad I don't know if I will ride it again. For the first 1-2 miles from the start of either end the roots have the asphalt bulged up over two inches. Even riding with a suspension seat post the trail jars your spine unless you are standing on the foot pegs. Since the roots are so numerous this means you would be on the pegs 50 percent of the time. With the financial state that Maryland is in I doubt this trail will be repaired any time in the foreseeable future.
The western end is paved and is a nice as any rail trail anywhere. Just short. The eastern end has a boardwalk section and then drops you on a gravel section. The gravel is a little big for my liking. I was on a road bike riding 30s but did fine. This section goes through a cut in the mountain made to get the railroad a level grade.
I kept hearing how beautiful this "trail" was. Most of the "trail" was city streets even before you get in to Baltimore. It was also poorly marked. Keep a GPS handy, or just give up on the trail and ride through whatever Baltimore streets you feel like riding.
It does take you past the Baltimore Zoo which was nice. It also takes you right in to Inner Harbor which is also a good place to hang out for a bit.
The trail is 100% paved and takes you along the Anacostia River. I like that this trail has a good mix of city elements and natural beauty. The Kenilworth aquatic gardens are a wonderful stop early in the trail, you get to see a lot of swamp flowers. Later, closer to Dc you are taken up to the Fredrick Douglas memorial bridge. The large white arches of the bridge are breathtaking. There are many places to eat diner once you make it to Dc. I stopped at Gordon Ramseys fish and chips. Great trail!
Starts at a dam and has some hills. It is not bike/stroller friendly. Hiking boots are better. Sneaker can be a challenge especially after rain. Dumps off into a neighborhood and you pick it back up. About a 4 mile loop.
I have used this trail a few times to commute from the Arlington, VA area into the district. It is convenient but could use a repaving. The paved path is bumpy (It looks like tree roots grew to create the wavy in the path). The first time I rode it I was pulling my dog and the wavy ness of the trail actually broke the bike rack connecting the dog trailer from the bumps. 3 years later from when by rack broke, the path has only gotten more wavy.
This trail is also hilly so you will get a workout. Going from Ballston to DC it was more downhill and rather easy, coming back the hills were somewhat steep. A good workout but not overly difficult.
On a side note: If you are visiting DC, I strongly suggest using the bike trails in DC, around DC, and all the trails in the surrounding areas. Every Smithsonian has bike racks to lock up your bike while visiting the museums. It is a great way to see the monuments, museums, and the mall without miles of walking. Today I first went to Library of Congress (to do some research), then to National African American Museum, and to the Native American Museum. I rode about a mile between the two museums which was much easier than walking.
I just finished a two-day solo tour (Cumberland to Williamsport, Williamsport to DC) and had an incredible experience despite the rain and the tough going over a few stretches. I hear a lot of criticism about the C & O, particularly when compared to the GAP (which I have also done). I appreciate the contrast and hope that the C&O retains its historic character as a more rugged towpath (not a rail trail). That said, the conditions on the east side of Paw Paw and from White’s Ferry to DC were challenging (again, I like the changing surfaces). Highlights: wilderness character, Paw Paw Tunnel, sycamores between Harper’s Ferry and Antietam, Great Falls, Monocacy, Point of Rocks station and the towns.
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