I took a walk along the capital crescent trail recently and it was so beautiful. It's situated in Georgetown along the water, and the views were calming and beautiful to observe while walking. I did find the bikers on the path to be entitled and a bit aggressive, so if you're walking, keep that in mind, but this does not reflect on the trail itself at all. There are numerous places to get a bite to eat or drink after your walk, so make sure you check around. read more

Beautiful trail! I love to run from Bethesda to Georgetown and to a metro. Trail is clean and safe. Only two crosswalks. read more

Capital Crescent Trail - Hiking Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

The Capital Crescent Trail is 11 miles and extends from Silver Spring (Montgomery County, Maryland) to Georgetown (in DC). I've never biked or walked the whole thing, but one day I'd definitely love to walk from Bethesda to Georgetown! My experience on the trail so far is limited to the area around Bethesda Row (very easy access from there), and it's a really nice trail (green, used but not crowded). Great place for a walk! read more

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[Coronavirus review] For those looking for a place to be outside while maintaining a distance from one another not easily traversed by nasty viruses, the CCT is in vogue. Because it was built (in part) over an old railway, it's fairly wide, and offers a decent amount of space for people to walk and bike without constantly brushing up against each other. Regardless of the current situation, the CCT is always heavily trafficked during nice weather because it is scenic and goes a long way through a variety of settings, and because it starts in Georgetown, where transit is nonexistent and drivers fear to go. The Bethesda end will be expanded to Silver Spring eventually as part of Purple Line construction, which will make the overall scope of it even better. The thing that irks me most about the trail is the street crossings in Bethesda. In the DC section, you're never on a road with cars, but those crosswalks in Maryland, no matter how they're marked, are not ideal. Admittedly, one isn't supposed to write Yelp reviews of one's own "businesses", and I do always feel a sense of ownership with the trail as I picked up a few pieces of debris as part of the clearing effort when it was being built (I was in elementary school at the time). Hopefully no one minds. read more

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Love this trail! Normally we do the C&O but sometime ya just get tired of having a dirty bike rolling on gravel for several miles. This trail is paved the entire way, mostly flat. It's nice because it had a mix of residential and nature. We stopped in downtown Bethesda before heading back. I'm excited to explore more of this trail, but typical it can get very crowded and you are dodging folks constantly. Off the trail, Bethesda has their version of Cherry Blossoms which is quite busy.....I like this better than DC's. read more

Capital Crescent Trail - Hiking Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

love this trail for running, and also for biking into DC from Bethesda! it's almost entirely shaded, so great option for hot sunny days. there is a good amount of downhill in this direction, so keep that in mind if running / hiking (will be mostly uphill on your way back to Bethesda). tip: you can rent one of the red Capital Bikeshare bikes in Bethesda and return it at one of the many stations throughout DC, if you would rather metro or uber back! read more

Capital Crescent Trail - Hiking Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I have been on the CCT many of times & with my last journey, it is time to write the review. I opted to walk instead of biking to Georgetown & with the distance of 11+miles it was not as piercing as I thought. From Bethesda's starting point the CCT begins by CHOPT Salad & the Honda Dealership, eventually connecting to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (C&O Canal) leading to the Georgetown waterfront. The shaded trees, benches & water fountains (glad I brought my bottles of water, as 2 out of 3 fountains were not working) makes the journey more engaging. Not to mention all walks...pun intended...of life on the trail passing by you in either direction extending a "Hi, on your right, on your left", etc. Even the dogs are getting their exercise in with friendly barks along the way. Along the trail you get beautiful views of Little Falls, see people picking out their Kayaking or Paddle Boarding rentals, various tunnels to walk through & or over. Once you pass through the Foundry Branch Tunnel, you have arrived into G-Town at the west end of Water Street. Side nugget; the trail from Bethesda to Silver Spring on the Georgetown Branch Trail is now closed to accommodate the Purple Line construction that will ultimately extend to the Capital Crescent Trail. My next goal is to do a round trip whether biking or walking, yet one excursion at a time. read more

Well kept, safe and nice views Great way to unplug from the buz in DC or Bethesda Great use of the old B&O RR read more

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Beautiful trail. Easy to walk, clean, has areas to rest & a lot to see! The trees cover the trail keeping the temperature down so it's easy to walk, run or ride a bike. Also nice to see deer out there! This is one of my favorite places to walk! read more

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The Capital Crescent Trail is a "rails-to-trails" project that was built on the Georgetown Branch rail line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. It's paved. And as Martha would say, "It's a Good Thing." Weekends on the Capital Crescent Trail are filled with walkers, rollerbladers, bikers, strollers. Just remember to keep your wits about you when passing and being passed. Although this seems like a casual place to ride (and it mostly is) it can get crowded and there are some fast travelers. On both ends of the trail there are nice surprises - Georgetown or Bethesda - for refreshment. Both ends also have parking. read more

Capital Cresent Trail is an easy trail to walk or hike in. Why? Because it's mostly paved. It's paved from Bethesda to Georgetown with a part of the trail running along the Potomac River. Gorgeous views!! Dog friendly. Lots of moms and strollers. There's a portion of crushed stone surface between Bethesda and Silver Springs (http://www.cctrail.org/CCT_Maps.htm). ENJOY!! read more

It's not always 'nature' vs. nurture - sometimes you luck out & get both! If I lived in Georgetown or the mean streets of Bethesda, I'd definitely take advantage of this trail more often. I only walked 3 miles of the trail, but it was a scenic, serene hike. There are joggers, bikers, and power-walkers. I actually saw more fathers out with strollers than mothers, but that could be a good thing. I would definitely go in the morning (before or around 10 a.m.) when the temperature is right and the birds are singing a sweet melody. This trail is definitely more inspirational for a weekend walk than a visit to the gym during the week. Secluded & shaded by many trees, you won't see a car for miles and miles on the CCT. Nice! read more

Capital Crescent Trail - Hiking Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great trail. This is actually one of the few things I miss from living in the DC area. I wish it were paved the whole way, but eh. I can't wait til they turn it into a fully paved trail to make it into the Bicycle Beltway. I connect this trail to the Rock Creek Parkway trail and W&OD to get a nice 30 or so mile circuit in. You can also combine this with the Mt. Vernon Mt. Trail. read more

I LOVE the Capital Crescent Trail! I work in Bethesda Row and can easily go on a nice stroll in nature on my lunch break or even bike from Bethesda to Georgetown. It's a popular trail, but not overwhelmed with people. read more

I trained for my first marathon on the Capital Crescent Trail, so it has a special place in my heart. The trail is a little oasis in the city, tree-lined and even peaceful if you get out early for your run or if you run in the dead of winter when there are fewer people on the trail (it's very pretty in the snow!). TRAILS ON TRAILS: The trail runs from Georgetown to Bethesda, but it goes beyond downtown Bethesda too. You have to cross the street, but then there is a tunnel under Wisconsin Ave. and the trail continues north as the Georgetown Branch Trail for a little more than 3 miles. If you follow the Georgetown Branch Trail north a little more than two miles from downtown Bethesda you can also access a trail into Rock Creek Park (right around mile marker 1, make a left on Jones Mill Road and an immediate right on Susanna Ln. The trail starts where Susanna Ln. dead ends. The trail will quickly hit a T, go right to head south). You can then follow the trails in Rock Creek, or Beech Dr. if it's the weekend, back south towards downtown. This makes for a nice, albeit long (~22 mi.), loop so you don't have to double back. PARKING: To run the trail, I usually park in the parking lot for Theodore Roosevelt Island, which is accessible only from the northbound lanes of the GW Parkway. If you park there, follow the trail north out of the parking lot onto the ramp that takes you over the highway. The trail winds up to Rosslyn, take a right and go over the Key Bridge. Go right and loop down onto the canal towpath. The towpath runs parallel to the CCT trail for awhile, but at Fletcher's Boat House make sure that you hop on over to the paved trail because the Capital Crescent crosses the canal and starts to head north shortly after that point and the towpath continues west. You can also access the trail from various other points where it crosses over streets, like Massachusetts Ave. WATER: There is a water fountain at Fletcher's Boat House (down towards the river, off the path; 3 miles from Georgetown) and another water fountain on the right hand side of the trail if you're headed north, right before the tunnel (about 5 miles from Georgetown). There is also a water fountain on the left side when you reach Bethesda (about 8 miles from Georgetown). read more

It's true: This is where the area's most self-righteous Spandex-sporting suburbanites go to pedal away all the quiet miseries life in the bourgeoisie. They scream at slow walkers. They scorn babies. They snatch chirping bluebirds off the trees and devour them whole. One time, I even saw Tom Friedman doing this! Just kidding. But I have indeed seen Tom Friedman on this trail many times, clad in sweaty Lance Armstrongs. One piece of advice, Tom: you might think the world is flat, but this trail definitely isn't. It's one big gradual hill from Bethesda to Georgetown. Keep it in mind as you fly gaily into DC: you are going to get pwned on the way back. Go to Wow Cow for ice cream at River Road. Lazily browse the aisles at Barnes and Noble in Bethesda. Coast through Kenwood in cherry blossom season or rent a rowboat at Fletcher's Boathouse. The adventures to be had on and off this trail more than make up for the people with whom you must occasionally share it. read more

I'm not sure why people insist on walking four abreast and then seeing another gaggle of four in a row on the other side to discuss shoes. Don't mind me when I run into you. No, no, please continue your conversation while I wait. Really, no problem. I think this discussion merits a complete stop in all traffic and an occlusion of the trail. It is about a flip flop. So basically changing the world. The best thing about this trail is the pretty scenery and the easy route between Georgetown and New Georgetown - wait, what's it's name again? Oh, right! Bethesda. read more

As a new bike rider (I don't feel I can really call myself a cyclist yet), I am greeted daily with the turmoil of where to ride my bike. Bike lanes are scant and cars hate us on the road. Pedestrians hate us on the sidewalks. So what to do? Hit up bike trails, of course! The Capital Crescent Trail is sort of an urban escape as you wind through trees and nature with numerous runners, walkers and parents with strollers on the paved and wonderfully shaded path. It's a fairly easy trail as the ride into Georgetown is practically effortless and even the slight incline on the way back to Bethesda isn't difficult but will give your quads an excellent workout. For the most part, the trail is well-maintained though there are a few sections that could be cleaned up a bit. The only thing that you really need to watch out for is the old men cyclists who speed up and down the trail and ring their dainty bells instead of calling out, "On the left!" On the other hand, the trail is a great way for girls to spot cute guy cyclists and shirtless runners because there are definitely a lot of them ;-) ;-). With ample parking on both ends of the trail and refreshments (Baked & Wired in G-town, Dolcezza in Bethesda), it's a great way to spend a weekend morning or leisurely evening riding up and down the paved path. read more

I LOVE the capital crescent trail! I recently got a bike and my entire experience of living in MD/DC has totally changed. I live way out in Silver Spring (wishing I was living in DC) and work on Capitol Hill. I always took the metro to work...but with the recent delays, my commute sometimes takes a whole hour! I've started commuting to work once a week on my bike using this trail...it's such a fun experience. It only takes about an hour and 15 minutes, and I am getting my cardio workout in too. From Silver Spring to the trail head, I have to go out of the way a bit down through rock creek park...but that's OK...RCP is beautiful! The trail is supposed to end up going all the way to downtown SS, but for now it ends in some creepy industrial alley. The trail is pretty much all down hill from Bethesda to Georgetown so my morning commute is a little faster and easier. The route takes you through suburbs, past offices and highways, forested areas, under interesting tunnels, and eventually next to the Potomac. It's beautiful. I think that riding bikes is therapeutic. Instead of sitting on the metro getting jerked around and stressed out, you can just center yourself and get your endorphins flowing as you fly through beautiful scenery. I almost ran over a snake one morning! The trail is like a highway for bikes. It's so interesting to see all the different bikers and all their gear. It's this whole other culture of athletic, probably environmentally friendly people who enjoy working a little harder every day to commute. It's cool to be a part of that community. Join us! read more

Been using this trail for the better part of the last 20 yrs, although not on a regular weekly basis... Unless you do it often, start from Bethesda, unfortunately the parking lot at Barnes n Noble is gone for yet another overpriced condo building. All the way down to the Whitehurst Freeway underpass....it is almost ALL downhill....... Take a left around 33rd street and work your way up to the Key Bridge....a little better workout now...... you'll hit Gravelly Point in about 15 minutes...... If you're lucky, the planes coming into Reagan National will be landing as opposed to taking off in the direction of where you'll be standing...... Work your way back to the Memorial Bridge, swing around the Lincoln Memorial, wave hi to ol Abe...... watch out for the tourists......find the path towrds the Kennedy Center where you'll come out at the beginning of the Georgetown Waterfront...... drink to your hearts content and people watch! ..... When down....do what I do, rather than bike UPHILL back to Bethesda, leisurely find your way to Foggy Bottom/GW and cheat.....on the weekends, you're allowed to bring your bike onto the Metro..... Back in Bethesda or Rockville....... Guess what? You still have your Saturday/Sunday afternoon to do something else..... Have fun! Be courteous if you're biking and ring/warn as you zip by....if you're walking, please don't walk 2 abreast or you'll get mowed down by the Lance Armstrong wannabes........ read more

On Saturday, I rented a bike from Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown and set sail for a long bike journey up to Bethesda. It turns out biking between Georgetown and Bethesda isn't too bad. If you Google the trail name, you'll find out there are some elevation changes, a couple of bridges to ride over, a tunnel to ride through, and lots of entry/exit points along the trail. The entry/exit points are neighborhood access points so you don't have to be alarmed when you see people coming and going. I found going to Bethesda a little more challenging because it is a bit of an uphill. Even for someone who does not enjoy cardio activities in the least bit, I managed to bike up the hills and bridges without getting off my rented bike so you might not find this aspect of the trail difficult at all. On the return trip, it really did feel like it was all downhill from Bethesda. I turned the bike around and let gravity do its work for a few hundred yards. I liked that periodically there are benches to sit on along the trail. I think I even saw a water fountain or two along the way. (There is definitely a water fountain near Bethesda.) At Fletcher's Cove, there are restrooms. However, the most impressive thing on the trail was a bike stop to pump air and fix your bike if need be. I didn't stop so I didn't take a picture, but it looks impressive and the stop is closer to Bethesda. Apparently, the trail is the most heavily used rail trail in the US and serves as a popular commute option during the workweek. On Saturday, I dd notice young families taking advantage of the trail, and yes, some do walk/run 3-4 abreast so I just yelled "On your left" and sped past them. Some other observations: some parts of the trail are cooler than others. When I was biking (flying) back from Bethesda, in the shade, it feel chilly. Once I was out in the sun, it was ok. There are those who walk 3-4 abreast so you do have to yell to get around them. Most people are ok with it and really stick to the edges of the pretty wide trail. I also like that people are good about staying on the right and passing on the left. Enjoy and be considerate! read more

You can review a trail? Yelp is awesome. I adore this trail, it was an awesome solution to my daily problem of finding a place to run several miles without waiting for traffic or almost dying. The trail goes all the way from Silver Spring to Georgetown, which is convenient for those who want to bike to work. Plus, it is beautiful, and lets me enjoy nature while I run. My serious issue with the trail is not actually the trail's fault at all. As an avid runner, I realize that I do not move as fast as those traveling ON WHEELS, but that does not mean I don't have just as much right to the trail as they do. Unfortunately, because of a select few people on this trail, I have been brought to the unjust conclusion that bikers are jerks. Which really is unfair, because many bikers are nice and polite about passing, but I have been almost run off the trail by more than one self-entitled, cussing biker. And yes, I do stay to the right. By trying to run me down, they are just making me much more likely to hit Random Biker A with my car two hours later with they cut in front of me on Massachusetts Avenue. read more

I didn't know I could review a trail. I'm a biker first and a jogger second. After a few forays onto this trail, I realized it wasn't for me because I like to develop a steady cadence and just go. When I saw this trail I checked the low reviews. Just as I suspected--runners who were getting buzzed by the likes of me, trying to zoom past as quickly as possible without losing momentum. After a few rides I realized I need to stick to roads with nice, smooth pavement, few traffic lights, and wide shoulders or bike lanes for my kind of riding. Yes, I channel Lance Armstrong. Yes I'm guilty of the things the runners complain about. Yes, I stopped doing it. How "serious" bikers can continue to do this is beyond me. Having said all that, it's a really nice trail for just walking, toodling along on your bike, or jogging. If you want to get a good workout on your bike, I'd go ahead and find somewhere else to ride. You know who I'm talking about. read more

This review is based on a 16 mile out-and-back run on a Saturday morning from 8 to 10 am. I started at the Thompson Boat Center near Watergate and ran the trail to Bethesda. For about the first 3.5 miles, this trail runs parallel to the C&O Canal Trail. The C&O is elevated, and it offers a natural dirt surface, which may be easier on those of you with knee problems. Unlike the C&O, the Capital Crescent Trail is paved. It is divided into 2 lanes. Bikers and joggers going the same direction must share each lane. About 2/3 of the bikers signaled that they were coming behind me. I always stayed to the right, and I did not experience any problems with them. The CCT also has distance markers every half mile. My first stop occurred about 3 miles into my run at Fletcher's Boathouse. This was a popular spot for bicyclists and joggers to stop and use the restroom, grab a drink, stretch, etc. There were about 6 port a potties, as well as a park water fountain. Over the next 5 miles, I stopped at 3 water fountains to grab a drink of water. About 8 miles into my run, I reached Bethesda, and I turned back. The trail is relatively flat. Any inclines are gradual, although there are several bridges that have prolonged ramps. Overall, I would recommend this trail to both bikers and runners. However, on this Saturday morning, it did seem like many bikers were constantly having to signal to upcoming walkers and runners. If I were a biker, I would ride the trail a few hours earlier when it is not as crowded. Otherwise, a biker could feel like they were having to dodge walkers and runners every few seconds. read more

Disclaimer: I am a runner, not a cyclist. I like the idea of biking, but I find that there are many amateur cyclists on that trail channeling Lance Armstrong. That kind of biking puts us mere mortals at risk on this extremely popular and crowded trail. This is a beautiful and well-maintained trail that offers a lot of shade. At times it's hard to believe you're still in DC. The drawback are the cyclists, who probably ride their bikes as poorly as they drive to work. As a runner, I've been nearly wiped out multiple times by careless cyclists. The trail has gotten more and more congested as the summer has progressed. Now that it's fall, I'm hoping things will calm down again. In short, this is a beautiful trail, but the stress of having to constantly be on alert for oblivious cyclists almost makes it not worth it. read more

Every weekend! What a great trail ! Bikers: Always announce yourself with a shout out, as it is just a good courtesy. Those coming uphill have the right of way. Joggers: Please move over to your side of the trail. Dog walkers: There are leash laws. Get a bike! Take a hike! This is a *very* safe trail from Bethesda to the boat house, as there are always folks on it. From Bethesda to Silver Spring, tis a bit more ghetto, just so ya know. read more

This is such a beautiful little trail to jog/walk/bike from Bethesda to Georgetown :) You can go for it and hop on a kayak once you get to Georgetown or if you're a piggie like me, stop for brunch and/or cupcakes :):) read more

I love that I can review a trail. Thanks, Yelp! My landlord told me about this trail and I finally got a chance to check it out the other day. I hopped on my bike on Sunday morning between 8 and 9am. The trail was quite busy even then. I got on from Massachusetts Ave in Maryland and rode up to Bethesda. It's about 2 miles. I rode back to Massachusetts Ave to go home, but I plan to go the other way to Georgetown to check out the rest of the trail. I'm noticing lots of reviews that mention human stupidity, catty comments or even angry remarks from fellow trail-goers. I didn't notice any of that on my biking trip- though I was so absorbed by the heavenly scent of pine and the cool, wet air that I didn't notice much else. Everyone who is on the trail has a different intent, and although it may not be in sync with yours you have to respect it. A near-level paved trail away from heavy car traffic (for the most part) that takes you to useful parts of town is a beautiful thing! I can't wait to ride this trail when the leaves start to change colors and it is consistently cool outside. It's going to be exquisite! If you haven't been on this trail yet, go- you won't regret it! read more

One of the greatest trails in the United States of America. I love this trail. Went here with my mother and family. Good for running, rollerblading, and walking. Really great atmosphere and safe. Really miss it. Good memories. read more

Unbeknownst to me, I had been walking various stretches of this trail through the years I lived in DC. But it wasn't until my most recent visit the other weekend that we were properly introduced - I learned the full length of the trail and that it has a name. Gorgeous overlooks of the Potomac and C&O Canal. Even on a beautiful summer weekend, you can go for a good distance without seeing another soul on the path, though entrance points can get congested. The trail looks deceivingly flat, but it's an almost steady uphill the whole distance. Word of advice: if you can and have the choice, start in DC and head to Bethesda. That way, you have the easier return ride (that's how I like to do it.) read more

This might be my favorite place to spend a Sunday in DC. I live a few blocks east of the entrance to the trail in Georgetown and absolutely love going for long runs here. Even when it's crowded, most people (bikers, walkers, runners) are considerate and stay to the right, use signals and horns/bells for bikes, and make it easy to share the path. There is a great mix of water views and areas where you feel like you are deep in the woods, lots of shade so it stays cooler, and emergency phones located along the trail. There are also markers every half mile, though they are in the woods a bit so you have to keep an eye out if you don't want to miss them. It is not particularly well-lit so I always make sure to plan to be out of the woods before the sun goes down. Otherwise it is a really nice trail: generally flat with some manageable hills, well-maintained and free of obstacles. Highly recommended. read more

The trail can get very busy. Frequented by bikers and pedestrians alike...you can go all the way from Georgetown to downtown Bethesda which is great and super convenient. It is quite a picturesque walk. If you are traveling by bike, you are going to want a bell so that you don't hit any pedestrians. Pedestrians have right of way!! I felt safe walking by myself mid-morning Sunday afternoon since there were so many people (almost too many people). That said, be safe and keep a vigilant eye! The world is a dangerous place! read more

Great trail for biking. Its through the woods, and its quiet because there is no nearby traffic. The only bad part is about 1-mile south of Bethesda. This is where groups of Maryland dickweeds gather to block the trail. read more

I rode this from the C&O into Bethesda and then onto rock creek. Great ride, a good amount of shade, and not too crowded. I think Elaine M. covers it all. Zoom, zoom, zoom! read more

Capital Crescent Trail--13 miles--some paved--some crushed stone. Theres a nice stop in Bethesda (Elm Street & Woodmont street) where I like to take a nice brake, read at Barnes and Nobles, get a scrumbdiddleuptous bar from Hagendaz, check out the local festivities going on at the Barking Dog or on the streets. This is a pretty popular and populated not to mention poopulated paved path. DO YOU LIKE MY ALLITERATION???By that I mean lots of beautiful potomac people, children skipping, jumping, men and women jogging, roller blading, walking, strutting, dogs walking (and pooping)... Highly recommended for riding and people watching at the same time! excellent people watching read more

I live in the hill ridden area of San Francisco so returning to Bethesda is heaven. Consequently it also means a nice cheat on my workout routine. I like biking the Capital Crescent back and forth to Georgetown because it is a nice 13+ miles and is suuuper flat. Yes, yes there is an incline on the way back from DC but ride the wiggle in SF and then let's chat. There are a couple areas past Fletcher's boathouse that could use some maintenance but all in all a well kept trail. Weekends are atrocious and don't expect to go over 10 miles per hour in the congested areas. I like riding in the mornings (6 am-ish). Solid running trail as well. read more

I am on this trail EVERYDAY for my bike commute to school. I love this part of my ride, it is absolutely beautiful. The two star deduction is for the rough shape this trail is in. Sections are washed out and rough. You need to be very careful and for sure use a headlamp. read more

Capital Crescent Trail - My morning commute is prettier than yours:0 - Hiking Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It's a wonderful trail ... very scenic as it passes alongside the Potomac and C&O Canal for the first few miles out of Georgetown to Fletcher's Boat House. It's very crowded on the weekends, and there are a number of criminally dangerous and rude riders who insist on using this trail for speed training, especially when riding downhill from Bethesda, where anyone nominally fit can achieve dangerous speeds easily. The four stars are for dangerous riders, not the trail. read more

I tried my luck with the CCT a few times, but have sworn to NEVER return. This is a pretty trail, with lots of shade, benches, and a rest area. However, the people that bike/run/walk/rollerblade/skateboard here are MANIACS!!!! You have the whole gamut on the trail - moms with strollers to people who are convinced they are riding the Tour de France. The trail is NOT wide enough to accomodate everyone, especially near Bethesda, where most of the crowding happens. I am a leisure/fitness cyclist myself, and I HATE the other cyclists on the trail. Most of them are atop some fictional high horse and feel the need to chastise you for your behavior. One woman yelled at me when I slowed down behind a couple with a large stroller. I couldn't pass because someone was coming in the opposite direction, and she was screaming "keep pedaling!!!" from behind. When I had clearance, I passed, but the b*tch pulled up alongside me and told me that "if you're going to stop, you need to pull over!". Um......THERE WAS A STROLLER IN FRONT OF ME, LADY! I'm not going to plow down a family and their toddler just because some old bag thinks she's about to lose the yellow jersey. This trail is just way too crowded for my liking, and is full of entitled jerks. I'll go find a nice, quiet, traffic-free road to ride, thank you very much. (P.S. I would advise against taking your kid here unless they are going to stay in a stroller. They are very likely to get hit) read more

Love this trail. It's a very pretty, comfortable and easy trail to walk or ride down on. But because of this, it is super popular so it tends to get crowded but I don't mind that since I don't tend to zoom by that fast on my bike. It's more like a casual stroll type feel then the indie 500 you find on the C&O trail, which is more my pace anyways. I usually head from Bethesda (trail entry is right across the Barnes and Noble) and head to Georgetown for lunch before heading back. Pretty smooth roads and shaded for the most part with trees. You can see the water line for most of the trail as well which is peaceful, but be warned there's a small area that smells like bad sewage, and I always get nervous for some reason with the semi-dark tunnel (I am a chicken when it comes to horror films so maybe it's just me) Oh yeah, to note, a lot of weekday commuters use this trail on/during the work week because of its convenience, lots of areas that break off back to the main roads. read more