More Parks and Trails in Washington DC
- Martha Custis Trail
- Mount Vernon Trail
- Great Falls National Park
- Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&O)
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Resource Details Below
- Location Address:1057 Thomas Jefferson Street NW 20007 view full map & directions
- Website:http://www.nps.gov/choh/
The C&O Canal trail is a packed dirt trail traveling along the C&O canal from Georgetown in Washington, DC to Cumberland, MD, approximately 184.5 miles. Along with the Great Allegheny Passage, you can ride 330 miles traffic-free from Georgetown to Pittsburg, PA. This is a favorite for area cyclists and runnners. Especially good for running as the dirt is much more forgiving that asphalt or concrete.
For more information, check out the following sites:
www.nps.gov/choh
bikewashington.org/canal/index.php
www.candocanal.org
canal.mcmullans.org
Comments From Other Members:
I usually bike sections of it, and I love it. I often see a Great Blue Heron up close. My son likes the turtles, and of course there are Canada Geese too. It was fun watching them in the spring crossing the path, or swimming in the canal with all their little chicks.
Where is the best place to get on the trail from DC during rush hour? Canal Rd makes it tough since it's all one way in the morning and the other way in the evening.
This is a great place to walk. I don't enjoy biking and I'm on the treadmill most days so it's a treat to get out there and walk without worrying about cars. Just need to stay out of the way of the bikers and people are incredibly polite and warn you when they are coming up behind on a bike so that you don't step out into their path.
My favorite marathon training spot. I love the dirt surface and the measured miles. The scenery is not too bad either.
This is a fun and well-traveled trail- even when it gets cold.
It's good to go walking and exercise. I am in VA and we have some great parks
