Great American Rail-Trail In Washington, D.C.
Capital Crescent Trail | Photo by Hung Tran
The easternmost endpoint for the Great American Rail-Trail begins in Washington, D.C., at the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Heading west through the National Mall, the route is hosted by trails featuring some of America’s most renowned landmarks and a portion of Rock Creek Park, the oldest urban park in the National Park Service. After traveling through historic Georgetown, the Great American Rail-Trail in Washington, D.C., ends near Fletcher’s Cove, a well-known fishing and outdoor recreation area of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
DC stories along the Great American Rail-Trail
The “Great American” Route Through D.C.
7.5
Total Miles7.5
Existing Miles0
Gap Miles100%
Complete
Trails Along the Route
Click the links below to view full trail descriptions on TrailLink.com.
• National Mall Trails
• Rock Creek Park Trails
• K Street/Water Street Cycle Track
Tap thumbnail to view photo gallery.
Listen To Oral History:
Gateway Trail
Capital Crescent Trail
A start in the nation’s capital offers an exciting kickoff for such an epic and patriotic undertaking. The 11-mile Capital Crescent Trail begins in Georgetown, just a couple miles from the National Mall with such American treasures as the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. Travelers roll out of the city and into Maryland largely under the cover of a pleasant tree canopy with beautiful glimpses of the Potomac River.
Route Reveal Celebration
Live from Washington, D.C., on the Capital Crescent Trail
Great American Rail-Trail Preferred Route
