Water Street (located at the western end of K Street and underneath the Whitehurst Freeway) marks the trailhead of the popular Capital Crescent Trail. As a result, it has become a favorite spot to park while doing the trail. However, there is also very easy to access the Mall area from Water Street, by following the Rock Creek Bike Trail down to the Lincoln Memorial. After you finish riding, there are many bars and restaurants nearby to help cool off and wind down.

Driving Directions:

Map of Parking Area.
Red Line indicate bike paths.

The easiest way to get here is to use the Clara Barton Parkway.

  • From Virginia, take I-495 North to Exit 41 (right as you cross into Maryland), bearing to the right when the ramp divides. From Maryland, take I-495 South to Exit 40, the Cabin John Parkway. This runs strait into the Clara Barton Parkway.
  • The Clara Barton Parkway becomes two lanes. Once it reaches the DC border, it becomes Canal Rd at the Chain Bridge Intersection. This is the first light you hit.
  • At the third light, bear right at the T. This puts you on M-Street. Get in the left lane as you pass through the next two lights.
  • After a few blocks, you will make a right onto Wisconsin Ave (at a Light). This takes you down a steep hill to Water Street, located underneath the Whitehurst Freeway.
  • I suggest you make a right onto Water Street, since parking seems to be more plentiful that direction.
  • 12 Hour meters are available at the end of the street. Optionally, you can use one of the nearby lots.

Water Street, looking west. CCT trailhead at end of street.
Biking Directions:
  • Water Street is not heavily traveled, since it is a dead end. As a result it is fairly bike friendly.
  • Heading west on K-Street will take you to the Capital Crescent Trail and C&O Canal.
  • If you want to check out the monuments, head east on K-Street. Do not follow K-Street up the ramp. Instead, take the side "exit" to the Rock Creek Parkway. Here, follow the bike trail down the river past the infamous Watergate Hotel and the Kennedy Center.
  • After you pass under the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, you come to a small circle and then the bike path crosses the street. I suggest that you leave the trail at this point, continuing up the hill either on the walk or on the street.
  • This brings you to the traffic circle surrounding the Lincoln Memorial. CAREFULLY, follow the circle clockwise until you reach the closed pedestrian area. From here, you can follow the paths through the Mall over toward the Washington Monument and the Capitol.

Issues:

  • You can't use Canal Road on weekdays between 2:30p and 7:00p, since it is one way outbound. During this time, use MacArther Blvd, one block to the north.
  • During the weekdays, 12 Hour parking meters are in effect.