The Clara Barton Parkway runs along the Maryland shore of the Potomac River between DC and the Capital Beltway I-495. Dotted along the parkway are several small parking lots which provide access to the adjacent C&O Towpath. This makes the parkway extremely convienent for park and biking. Note that the primary bike access to downtown is via the unpaved towpath, so this may not be the best option for skinny tire folks.

Map of Clara Barton Parkway.
The red lines mark bike trails which will take you downtown.
Driving Directions:

  • From Virginia, take I-495 North toward Maryland. As soon as you cross the Potomac River, take exit 41 and keep bearing to the right as you exit. The first of six parking areas is located at the bottom of the ramp on the other side of the parkway.
  • From Maryland, take I-495 south toward Virginia. Use exit 40 to the Cabin John Parkway. After a mile or so, this becomes the Clara Barton Parkway. The first of four parking areas is located on your right soon after joining the Clara Barton.
  • Keep in mind that the first parking area you come to may be 8 to 10 miles from downtown. Thus, you may wish to skip the first few lots in order to get a more convenient spot.
  • The last parking area is located just prior to the first traffic light on the parkway (at Chain Bridge). If this lot is full, you can use it to turn around and head back to one of the farther out lots.
  • Since most of the lots are only accessible from the southbound side of the parkway, northbound traffic can turn around at Cabin John (after the Cabin John Parkway exit) and at Carderock (after the Virgina exit). If all the lots are full, there is a large parking area at Carderock. However, this will put you at least 12 miles from DC.
  • If you accidentally pass the south parking lot, then make a right an the next light, cross over Chain Bridge, and make another right at the next light. This will take you up the hill to the George Washington Parkway. The GW will take you back out to I-495, from where you can get back on the Clara Barton (just follow signs to Maryland).
Biking Directions:

Photo of southern parking area

  • After parking, simply cross over the C&O Canal to the unpaved towpath. Follow this south to Fletcher's Boathouse. From here, switch to the paved Capital Crescent Trail (CCT).
  • The CCT will take you to Water Street, in the Georgetown section of Washington. Water Street becomes K-Street, which will take you over the the Rock Creek Bike Path. Follow this path south, which will take you to the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall.

Issues:
  • During evening rush hour (weekdays 2-7pm), you will not be able to access the three southern parking areas using these directions. During this time, southbound traffic is not permitted on that section of the parkway. All vehicles are forced to use the Glen Echo turnaround, which will send you back out toward Carderock.