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DC Visitor Guide

Local Routes

Other Trails

C&O Towpath


These maps show the location of recreation trails in and around the Washington DC area. All these trails are suitable for bicycling. Most trails have a paved surface, however some use a "natural" surface. Click on trail names for more detailed information.

Map of DC Multi-Use Trails Washington and Old Dominion Mount Vernon Trail C and O Towpath Northwest Branch Northeast Branch Sligo Creek Trail Rock Creek Trail - Maryland North Bethesda Trail Capital Crescent Trail Rock Creek Trail - DC Martha Custis Trail

Map of DC Multi-Use Trails


Map of Baltimore Washington Area Trails Washington, Baltimore, & Annapolis Trail Baltimore & Annapolis Trail BWI Trail Northern Central Rail Trail Cross Island Trail

Trails in the Baltimore Washington Area

Wait! There are even more trails within a few hours drive of Washington. Click here for details.


Proposed Trail Projects

Mount Vernon Trail: 18 Miles - Paved
Very scenic trail that runs along the Potomac River to George Washington's estate at Mount Vernon. Recommended ride for visitors.

Washington & Old Dominion Trail: 45 Miles - Paved
The W&OD (pronounced "wad") is probably the best all around trail in the area. This is a rail trail between Shirlington and Purcellville, VA.

The Custis Trail: 4 Miles - Paved
The Custis Trail runs parallel to I-66 through Arlington, VA. It connects the W&OD trail with downtown Washington DC.

Capital Crescent Trail: 13 Miles - Paved/Crushed Stone
The very popular CCT is another great rail trail project. The paved section runs from Georgetown to Downtown Bethesda. The remain section has a crushed limestone surface.

Chesapeake & Ohio Towpath: 184 Miles - Natural Surface
My favorite trail in the area, it runs from Washington DC all the way to Cumberland, MD. Watch for future extension to Pittsburgh, PA!

Rock Creek Hiker/Biker Trail: about 20 Miles - Paved
(On Road Sections)
A loose collection of paths that were eventually linked together. Not too bad in Maryland, but the DC section does leave something to be desired. The DC on-road section is closed to traffic on weekends.

Sligo Creek and Branch Trails: about 20 Miles - Paved
Maryland's Anacostia Tributary Trails start near Mt Rainier, and provides connections to Wheaton, College Park, and Greenbelt.

North Bethesda Trail: 4 Miles - Paved
(On Road Sections)
This trail provides an excellent commuter connection between Rockville and Bethesda.

Metropolitan Branch Trail: (proposed)
This trail will run north from DC's Union Station to Silver Spring, Maryland along the west side of the CSX Railroad tracks.

Baltimore, & Annapolis Trail: 13 Miles - Paved
Nice trail between Annapolis and Glen Burnie. Connects to the BWI Trail. Recommended ride for beginners.

BWI Trail: 11 Miles - Paved
Cool loop trail around Baltimore-Washington International Airport.

Washington, Baltimore, & Annapolis Trail: 22 Miles, when complete - Paved
Will provide crucial link between Washington and Anne Arundel Count.

Cross Island Trail: 5 Miles - Paved
New trail running across Kent Island. Nice stop for when heading to the beach. Recommended ride for beginners.

Northern Central Rail Trail: 41 Miles - Crushed Limestone
Excellent rural trail running from Ashland, MD to downtown York, PA.
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