Guide to Washington DC Area Running Routes
In this guide, I break down the 13 running routes in the Washington, DC area that I used most frequently. The page is divided into two sections: “trails” and “parks”. By “trails”, I mean long stretches of mostly uninterrupted terrain used mostly by runners and bicyclists. By contrast, “parks” are more enclosed areas that are also used by a wide array of recreational users. For each route, I include information about the distance (which are approximations), terrain, facilities, interesting things to observe, connections to other major trails, and links to resources with more information.
I hope this is helpful whether you live in the area or are planning a visit soon!
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Table of Contents
Trails
Arlington Boulevard Trail
Capital Crescent Trail
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath
Custis Trail
Four Mile Run Trail
Mount Vernon Trail
Rock Creek Park Trails
W&OD Trail
Parks
Anacostia Riverwalk
“Hains Point”/East Potomac Park
National Mall
Roosevelt Island
“The Tidal Basin”
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Arlington Boulevard Trail
(Arlington, Virginia)
Distance: This trail parallels Arlington Boulevard/Route 50 in Arlington, Virginia. Using Glebe Road in Arlington Virginia as the “trail head”, this trail is only about 3 miles long.
Surface: Asphalt.
Terrain: Gradual downhill. ~220 feet at the start in central Arlington, Virginia to ~95 in the heart of Rosslyn.
Water Fountains: No
Bathrooms: No
Hazards, Safety, & Construction: There is ongoing construction as new housing comes to the neighborhoods after Courthouse Road (Mile 1.8).
Sights: Colored lights on the bridges over the trail (Mile 1.6 and 1.8). The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial or the “Iwo Jima Memorial” is about a quarter mile from the end of the trail.
Connections: The trail ends in Rosslyn, Virginia. The Custis Trail and the Mount Vernon Trail are approximately half a mile north via Lynn Street.
Resources: [Bike Arlington] [Wikipedia] [Tag]
Capital Crescent Trail
(Bethesda, Maryland and Washington, D.C.)
Distance: Technically, the trail starts at Colesville Road and Second Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland and works west taking advantage of a right-of-way on the Georgetown Branch Trail (currently closed) leading to Bethesda, Maryland, approximately 3.3 miles away. However, most of the trail runs almost exactly 7.0 uninterrupted miles southeast from Bethesda Avenue in Bethesda, Maryland to Water Street in the Georgetown area of Washington, DC. near the Potomac Boat Club.
For the last 2 miles of the trail, after Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse, the trail hugs the Potomac River on the right and shadows the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath on the left.
Surface: Asphalt.
Terrain: ~350 feet at the start of the uninterrupted trail in Bethesda, Maryland and ~25 at the end in Georgetown. River Road Bridge (Mile 4.5) and a pedestrian bridge near the Washington Aqueduct (Mile 6.5) are the only inclines.
Water Fountains: Yes. At the start of the uninterrupted trail beginning in Bethesda, Maryland (Mile 3.5), near the Washington Aqueduct (Mile 6.5), and at Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse (Mile 8.2).
Bathrooms: Yes. Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse (Mile 8.2).
Hazards, Safety, & Construction: This trail is fairly popular – particular on the weekends – because it’s good for getting in an uninterrupted stretch of pavement for a long run. The first 3.5 miles of the trail from Silver Spring, Maryland to Bethesda, Maryland, including the Georgetown Branch Trail, are currently closed for construction for the Purple Line Metro but should reopen in 2022. Detours are in place. Runners should also exercise caution at the crossing at Little Falls Parkway (Mile 6) as it has been the site of several accidents. On a more positive note, the trail is frequently plowed during snow storms and a good option for long runs during the winter.
Sights: The trail is covered by trees and brush during this entire stretch and deer sightings are not uncommon. The Dalecarlia Tunnel (Mile 6.2) can be haunting to run through. Shortly thereafter, the trail crosses the D.C. Line (Mile 6.7). The Arizona Avenue Bridge offers a view of the canal (Mile 7.7). In summer months at Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse (Mile 8.2), canoes line the trail. In the later miles, the trail runs along the Potomac River and offers nice views of the river (Mile 6.0), including the Three Sisters rock formation, and a glimpse of the Key Bridge and Washington Monument.
The Foundry Branch Tunnel is a gateway to Canal Road, Georgetown University, and the Glover-Archibold Trail (Mile 9.8). As the trail ends, the Washington Canoe Club is on the right and there’s a sign marking the trail-head on the left (Mile 10.3).
Want to race it? The Parks Half Marathon is on parts of this trail.
Connections: The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath at Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse (Mile 8.2) and a staircase down the trail near the Foundry Branch Tunnel (Mile 9.9). From the end of the trail, there is another staircase that leads up to the C&O Canal Towpath approximately 200 yards down on Water Street.
Resources: [Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail] [TrailLink] [Bike Washington] [Wikipedia] [Tag]
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath
(Washington, D.C.)
Distance: This 184.5 mile trail starts in the Georgetown area of Washington, DC and follows the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal) northwest to Cumberland, Maryland. The trail-head is at the start of the Rock Creek Park Trail on the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway near the ramp leading to Pennsylvania Avenue. The first half mile of the trail is on a narrow path next to the canal in Georgetown. Then, it widens and parallels the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath on the left until Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse. This guide is based on the 10 miles closest to Washington, DC.
Surface: Dirt and rocks. It is rocky is places, which makes trail shoes desirable.
Terrain: Steady incline. – the towpath was used as a “road” for mules to pull vessels up the canal from Georgetown. It’s ~25 feet at the start in Georgetown and ~120 feet at Carderock Recreation Center.
Water Fountains: Yes. Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse (Mile 2.9).
Bathrooms: Yes. Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse (Mile 2.9).
Hazards, Safety, & Construction: The trail is much less traveled than the neighboring Capital Crescent Trail, which makes it good for a contemplative run but it can also feel isolated. Walkers with leash-less dogs are also common.
Sights: I have only run the 10 miles closest to Washington, DC. The trail starts in the heart of Washington, DC. Lock 1 is less than a half mile from the trail-head. There are several historical structures on the route. At Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse, the Abner Cloud House is the oldest existing structure on the canal.
Lockhouse 6 (Mile 5.1) has a lockhouse and is the only structure for several miles.
There are view of the lower parts of Great Falls to the left. The larger Lockhouse 10 is further up the trail (Mile 8.4). The Carderock Recreation Center is (Mile 10.1) near the Billy Goat Trail.
Want to race it? On Saturdays, there is a Parkrun – Fletcher’s Cove at 9am.
Connections: The Rock Creek Park Trails (Mile 0.0) and the Capital Crescent Trail from a staircase in Georgetown (Mile 0.7), another staircase slightly up the trail near the Foundry Branch Tunnel (Mile 1.2), and at Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse (Mile 2.9).
Resources: [National Park Service] [TrailLink] [Bike Washington] [Wikipedia] [Tag]
Custis Trail
(Arlington, Virginia)
Distance: This is a 4.3 mile trail that runs along Interstate 66 from the W&OD Trail near Westover Park to Lynn Street in Rosslyn, Virginia.
Surface: Asphalt and concrete.
Terrain: ~255 feet at the start and 50 feet at end. The high point is 310 feet at Glebe Road (Mile 1.3).
Water Fountains: Yes. At the trail head (Mile 0.0) and at Nelson Street (Mile 2.0). Both fountains are operational all year long.
Bathrooms: No. However, if going slightly off-trail is an option, there is a facility near the trail-head at Westover Park (Mile 0.1).
[dropshadowbox align=”center” effect=”raised” width=”800px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”4″ border_color=”#417505″ rounded_corners=”false” outside_shadow=”false” ] Westover Park is at the end of N. Kennebec Street in North Arlington. It’s a small park but features a playground and basketball court. The bathroom is closed during winter months.[/dropshadowbox]
Hazards, Safety, & Construction: This trail can be well trafficked in the morning as it’s a popular route for bike commuters. The trail head is directly under I-66 and cyclists coming from the W&OD Trail often swing wide navigating the curve. In Rosslyn, the trail ends at the “Intersection of Doom” where cars coming off the George Washington Parkway aren’t always good about yielding. Arlington County tends to pre-treat and plow the trail during snow storms.
Arlington County tends to pre-treat and plow this trail in the winter, which makes it a good bet on snowy or icy days.
Sights: This trail is absolutely boring except for a small pond near the water fountain at Nelson Street. At the end of the trail, there are views of Georgetown over the Key Bridge in Washington, DC to the left and skyscrapers in Rosslyn, Virginia to the right (Mile 4.3).
Connections: The W&OD Trail (Mile 0.0) and the Mount Vernon Trail (Mile 4.3). This trail is part of “The Arlington Loop” or “The Arlington Triangle“.
Resources: [TrailLink] [Bike Arlington] [Bike Washington] [Wikipedia] [Tag]
Four Mile Run Trail
(Arlington, Virginia)
Distance: This meandering trail is approximately 7.5 miles running southeast from Roosevelt Street in Falls Church, Virginia to the Mount Vernon Trail near National Airport, where Four Mile Run empties into the Potomac River. (By Garmin, it probably measures closer to 8 miles.) The trail runs beside or on the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail in places. The section between Shirlington Road to Mount Vernon Trail is 2.2 miles of uninterrupted asphalt (Mile 5.8 to Mile 8.0).
Surface: Asphalt and concrete.
Terrain: Steady downhill. ~270 ft at the start and ~10 at the end.
Water Fountains: Yes. Bluemont Park baseball fields (Mile 2.0), Bluemont Park Playground (Mile 2.2), and Glencarlyn Park (Mile 3.2). There is also a fountain that the W&OD Trail Head at Shirlington Road (Mile 5.7).
Bathrooms: Yes. Bluemont Parkk (Mile 1.9), Bluemont Park Playground (Mile 2.2), and Glencarlyn Park (Mile 3.2). There are also porta-potties for the day labors at Shirlington Road (Mile 5.7).
[dropshadowbox align=”center” effect=”raised” width=”800px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”4″ border_color=”#417505″ rounded_corners=”false” outside_shadow=”false” ] Bluemont Park is south of the Four Mile Run and W&OD Trails near Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, Virginia. The park has tennis courts, soccer fields, and baseball diamonds. Parking is limited. There is a bathroom facility that is open year-round. Park rangers are frequently nearby. There are water fountains near the ball fields and the nearby park.[/dropshadowbox]
[dropshadowbox align=”center” effect=”raised” width=”800px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”4″ border_color=”#417505″ rounded_corners=”false” outside_shadow=”false” ] Glencarlyn Park sits between the Four Mile Run and W&OD Trails in south Arlington, Virginia. The park is popular for family gatherings and has a playground and picnic tables. There is a bathroom facility, which is usually open during the winter months. The water fountain is outside this structure.[/dropshadowbox]
Hazards, Safety, & Construction: The trail is difficult to negotiate near South George Mason Drive (Mile 4.0 to Mile 4.2) and the concrete in that area can be slippery after a rain storm. After Shirlington, the trail is very busy particularly on nice days and during the morning or evening commute. And, visibility is poor under I-385 (Mile 5.9). Recently, there’s been construction at various points on the trail near the Water Treatment Plant (Mile 7.0). That area can also be icy after snow storms. The section of the trail under Route 1 is prone to flooding after heavy rains. Watch for speeding cyclists trying to negotiate the ramp coming from Route 1 (Mile 7.5) and to the Mount Vernon Trail at the end of the trail (Mile 8.0).
Sights: In the area near Bluemont Playground, there are Names Stones with themes that can evoke reflections on love, awakening, and other emotions. On nice days, runners can enjoy seeing dogs playing in Four Mile Run near the Shirlington Dog Park (Mile 5.3)
Connections: The Custis Trail (Mile 1.3) and the Mount Vernon Trail (Mile 8.0). The trail parallels (or merges with) the W&OD Trail in parts. The trail is also part of “The Arlington Loop” or “The Arlington Triangle“.
Resources: [TrailLink] [Bike Arlington] [Wikipedia] [Tag]
Mount Vernon Trail
(Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia)
Distance: This trail covers approximately 18 miles between the Mount Vernon estate in Alexandria, Virginia and Lynn Street in Arlington, Virginia near the Key Bridge leading to Washington, DC. Over the years, mile markers weren’t replaced in the proper spot after construction projects so some of the mile markers on the trail are short or long. Also, there are no mile markers through Old Town Alexandria.
Surface: Asphalt and short sections of wood decking or concrete.
Terrain: ~98 feet at the start and ~18.5 at the finish. After the start, the trail is downhill before Fort Hunt Park, where it climbs before reaching a height of ~80 feet while crossing the George Washington Parkway at Alexandria Avenue. From there, the course is flat through Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve (Mile 6.8) and Belle Haven Park but climbs a little to cross Interstate 495 into Old Town Alexandria. The trail returns to flat until a pedestrian bridge near National Airport and Humpback Bridge near the Merchant Marine Memorial.
Water Fountains: Yes. Near Fort Hunt Park (Mile 2.9), Alexandria Avenue (Mile 5.3), Belle Haven Park (Mile 7.8), near National Airport (Mile 13.3) and at Roosevelt Island (Mile 17.5).
Bathrooms: Yes. Riverside Park (Mile 1.2) and Belle Haven Park (Mile 7.8). There are also porta-potties at Gravelly Point (Mile 14.6).
[dropshadowbox align=”center” effect=”raised” width=”800px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”4″ border_color=”#417505″ rounded_corners=”false” outside_shadow=”false” ] Gravelly Point (Mile 14.6) is a spot of land just north of National Airport. It is a popular destination for watching airplanes land. There are usually people playing soccer, rugby, or ultimate frisbee. [/dropshadowbox]
Hazards, Safety, & Construction: This trail is highly trafficked, particularly on fair weather days. The wood decking through Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve (Mile 6.8) and just before Roosevelt Island (Mile 17.3) can be slick in rainy weather. Similarly, the pedestrian bridges near National Airport (Mile 13.8 and Mile 14.1) can remain icy after snow storms. (Unfortunately, the National Park Service does not plow the trail.) Some street crossings near the south end of the trail (Mile 3.4, Mile 4.3, Mile 4.5, Mile 4.8, and Mile 5.2) that require caution. Leaving Old Town Alexandria, there’s a rail-road crossing at First Street (Mile 10.8) that could cause a tripping issue. Currently, there is construction related to the Arlington Memorial Bridge (Mile 16.5).
Sights: The trail starts just north of the Mount Vernon grounds (Mile 0.0). Running north, one of the first vistas from across the Potomac River is Fort Washington (Mile 2.6). Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve (Mile 6.8) offers a vast view of a watershed area while running over wooden planks. Belle Haven Park provides views of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and National Harbor (Mile 7.8) in the distance. In Old Town Alexandria (Mile 10.0), the trail runs past some historic buildings, Daingerfield Island and the Washington Sailing Marina (Mile 12.1). Runners can enjoy great views of the tower and runway at National Airport from two pedestrian bridges (Mile 13.8 and Mile 14.1). Gravelly Point (Mile 14.6) is a great location to watch airplanes take off and land. Humpback Bridge (Mile 15.6) offers a picturesque shot of downtown Washington, DC. The Merchant Marine Memorial (Mile 15.7) provides a nice foreground for pictures of the Washington Monument. Further down the road, there’s an equally panoramic shot of downtown featuring the Lincoln Memorial (Mile 16.9 and Mile 17.1). Views for the wooden bridge leading to the parking lot for Roosevelt Island can be serene – particularly in the morning (Mile 17.3).
Want to race it? The course for the Parkway Classic follows the main thoroughfare from Mount Vernon to Old Town Alexandria.
Connections: The Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail (Mile 8.8, not covered in this guide), Four Mile Run Trail (Mile 12.9), Roosevelt Island (Mile 17.5), the Potomac Heritage Trail (Mile 17.7, not covered in this guide) and the Custis Trail (Mile 18.0). The northern part of this trail is part of “The Arlington Loop” or “The Arlington Triangle“.
Resources: [TrailLink] [Bike Arlington] [Bike Washington] [National Park Service] [Wikipedia] [Tag]
Rock Creek Park Trails
(Washington, D.C.)
Distance: Rock Creek Park has a network of trails that runs along the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway (RCPP) and into the park itself. It begins near the Kennedy Center where the RCPP ends and leads to Ohio Drive. From there, it goes north into the park. The trail diverges at the National Zoo (Mile 2.9) but if that artery is closed, there’s a narrow sidewalk that continues straight. The trail becomes the Western Ridge Trail at Bluff Bridge (Mile 4.5).
Just short of a mile later, reaches Broad Branch Road. Runners can continue on the Western Ridge Trail for another 4.6 miles and end at Boundary Bridge near the Washington DC and Maryland border. Or, follow Beach Drive for another 3.5 miles to Wise Road (Mile 8.8) and shortly after, the Maryland line (Mile 9.5).
Surface: Asphalt.
Terrain: Steady uphill. ~25 feet at the start where the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway ends and ~170 at the District of Columbia and Maryland state lines. The highest point is ~215 before Beach Drive meets Wise Road (Mile 8.7).
Water Fountains: Yes. Peirce Mill (Mile 4.9) and on Beach Drive after Joyce Rd., NW (Mile 7.0)
Bathrooms: Yes. Peirce Mill (Mile 4.9) and just past the Ranger Station on Beach Drive (Mile 7.0).
Hazards, Safety, & Construction: As the largest park in a crowded city, Rock Creek Park trails can be very busy, especially on the weekends. Parts of the asphalt are fairly chewed up, so it’s wise to watch ones footing. There’s a Park Police Station (Mile 6.7) before Joyce Street, NW, which makes that section of the trail feel a bit safer. However, Beach Drive is currently under construction after that point.
Sights: In the first mile, the has wonderful views of the Kennedy Center (Mile 0.2) and Georgetown Waterfront (Mile 0.4).
Further up the trail, the P Street Bridge (Mile 1.4) and the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge (Mile 2.1) loom overhead. The Oak Hill Cemetery can be seen across from the creek (Mile 1.8). Bluff Bridge is very rustic looking (Mile 4.4). Runners may feel as though they’re going back in time passing Peirce Mill (Mile 4.9). On Beach Drive, Boulder Bridge (Mile 5.7) is strikingly rustic.
Want to race it? The RnR DC Marathon and Half Marathon course runs along the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway through the ramp to Calvert Street.
Connections: The trailhead for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath in Georgetown (Mile 0.8).
Resources: [National Park Service] [Front Runners’ Guide to Rock Creek Park] [TrailLink] [Bike Washington] [Rock Creek Runner] [Wikipedia] [Tag]
Washington & Old Dominion Trail
(Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax, and Loudoun, Virginia)
Distance: This approximately 44.5 mile route begins in the Shirlington area of Arlington County, Virginia and ends in the Purcellville area of Loudoun County Virginia. This guide focuses on the 10 miles closes to the trail-head.
Surface: Asphalt.
Terrain: ~62 feet in Shirlington and 558.5 feet at the end in Purcellville. From the start it’s a steady climb to ~460 feet near Idylwood Park (Mile 8.0), then it goes downhill until just after Difficult Run Bridge (Mile 14.2) outside Tysons Corner. The trail flattens out for a while with some inclines in Reston, Virginia but peaks again a few miles outside of Leesburg, Virginia near Pagonian Springs (Mile 38.3).
Water Fountains: Yes. The trailhead in Shirlington (Mile 0.0), Columbia Pike (Mile 1.50), Glencarlyn Park (Mile 2.3), Bluemont Park Playground (Mile 3.0), Bluemont Park Baseball Fields (Mile 3.3), junction with the Custis Trail (Mile 3.8), across from the Falls Church fire station (Mile 5.5), West End Park (Mile 6.7).
Bathrooms: Yes. Glencarlyn Park (Mile 2.3) and Bluemont Park (Mile 3.3)
Hazards, Safety, & Construction: The trail can get pretty crowded on the weekends with cyclists, runners, and walkers all taking advantage of an uninterrupted path in the middle of the suburbs. A low lying area under Wilson Boulevard (Mile 3.5) can flood after a heavy rain storm.
There have also been some attacks on female runners over the years, most recently in the western parts.
Sights: There aren’t many sights on this trail. In the morning, runners may see deer in the wooded locations. The trail crosses a major interstate – the Capital Beltway (Mile 8.7) in Fairfax County.
Connections: From the trailhead (Mile 0.0), the trail parallels (or merges with) the Four Mile Run Trail to the south for the first 5 miles. The junction for the Custis Trail (Mile 3.9) is on the right. These two legs are part of “The Arlington Loop” or “The Arlington Triangle“.
Resources: [Friends of the W&OD Trail] [TrailLink] [Bike Arlington] [Bike Washington] [Wikipedia] [Tag]
Anacostia Riverwalk
(Washington, D.C.)
Distance: Parts of this 25 mile trail are still under construction. However, a popular 3 mile loop starts from Nationals Park goes across the Frederick Douglass Bridge, through Anacostia Park, over the 11th Street Bridge and back to Nationals Park through Yards Park.
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Anacostia Park. Located between the Anacostia River and Interstate 295 in southeast Washington, D.C.; visitors to this park enjoy sports fields and beautiful views of the river and Yards Park from the trails.
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Surface: Asphalt and concrete.
Terrain: Flat.
Water Fountains: No. However, there are businesses in Yards Park that might sell bottled water
Bathrooms: No. However, there are businesses in Yards Park that might accommodate runners.
Hazards, Safety, & Construction: The trail isn’t very crowded – particularly in the morning – which can make it feel isolated.
Sights: From the southwest corner of Nationals Park at South Capitol Street and Potomac Avenue SE, there are view of The Yards Park from the Frederick Douglass Bridge (Mile 0.3). There’s also a good view from the 11th Street Bridge (Mile 1.7).
Want to race it? The Anacostia Parkrun is on Saturdays at 9am. The RnR DC Marathon goes through part of this route.
Connections: None.
Resources: [National Park Service] [TrailLink] [Wikipedia] [Tag]
“Hains Point”/East Potomac Park
(Washington, D.C.)
Distance: East Potomac Park is the area in Washington, D.C. south of the Jefferson Memorial. For runners, the main attraction is “Hains Point”, a 4.1 mile loop on the southeastern edge of the park that surrounds a golf course.
Surface: Asphalt and concrete.
Terrain: Flat. However, because the island isn’t sheltered, it can feel as though you’re running into a headwind for the entire circuit.
Water Fountains: Technically, yes but they are mostly out-of-service. There’s one after the tip (Mile 1.9) that’s worth trying but the fountain attached to the building on the back half of the point near the golf course is the better bet (Mile 3).
Bathrooms: Yes. There’s a facility in the front half (Mile 1.2) but it’s often closed. The building on the back half near the golf course entrance (Mile 3) is usually open.
Hazards, Safety, & Construction: Runners must share the road with cars and cyclist on Hains Point, but they are good about staying in the far left lane. The Point can be gated off during federal government shutdowns or very rarely, for national security reasons.
Sights: The interior of the island is a golf course but there are views across the Potomac River. Running counter-clockwise in order to face traffic on Ohio Drive from the George Mason Memorial, runners will see National Airport (Mile 1.0). After the tip of the Point (Mile 1.8), the National War College (Mile 2.1) is across water. Nearing the end of the loop, the newly developed District Wharf (Mile 3.1) is in view. In early April, the cherry blossom trees create a ethereal canopy of flowers over the road.
Want to race it? The Cherry Blossom 10 Miler and the Marine Corps Marathon include this loop.
Connections: The Tidal Basin to the west and the National Mall to the northwest.
Resources: [National Park Service] [Wikipedia] [Tag]
The National Mall
(Washington, D.C.)
Distance: From the Lincoln Memorial to the the United States Capitol Building and back is approximately 4.5 miles.
Surface: Asphalt, dirt, and concrete.
Terrain: Flat.
Water Fountains: Yes. There is a fountain on the southeastern (Mile 3.5) and southwestern (Mile 3.8) sides of the Washington Monument that are usually operational. There are also vendor selling bottled water and sports drinks along the route.
Bathrooms: Yes. The best option is probably the Washington Monument (Mile 1.0.). If leaving the route and taking a longer break is an option, the Smithsonian Museums also have bathrooms.
Hazards, Safety, & Construction: The National Mall can be very crowded with tourists for most of the year. But, it’s fairly easy to get around during the winter or in the early morning hours year-round.
Sights: Starting from the western edge of the National Mall at the Lincoln Memorial, runners can take a side trip to visit the Vietnam Memorial (Mile 0.1). (Out of respect for veterans, runners should probably avoid running directly through the war memorials or wading pools of water.) Running along the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, next is the World War II Memorial (Mile 0.5). Crossing 17th Street, the Washington Monument (Mile 0.8) is next. The National Museum of African American is on the right before crossing 14th Street (Mile 1.0). The base of the United States Capitol Building is just over a mile away (Mile 2.2).
On the return trip, several museums, including Smithsonian Castle (Mile 3.1) and the Korean War Veterans Memorial (Mile 4.3) is tucked away on the left before reaching the Lincoln Memorial.
Want to race it? The Cherry Blossom 10 Miler and the RnR DC Marathon and Half Marathon start at the base of the Washington Monument. The Army 10 Miler and the Marine Corps Marathon go through this area, as well.
Connections: “Hains Point” to the southeast and The Tidal Basin to the southwest.
Resources: [National Park Service] [Wikipedia] [Tag]
Roosevelt Island
(Washington, D.C.)
Distance: This Island is part of Washington, D.C. but accessible from a parking lot in Rosslyn, Virginia. The Swamp Trail on the island is a 1.3 mile loop and is approximately 0.2 miles from the gate at the beginning of the bridge leading to the island. There are also two interior trails for adding mileage.
Surface: Dirt and sections of wood decking.
Terrain: Flat.
Water Fountains: Yes. There is a fountain at the gate leading to the Island. However, it is sometimes out-of-order. There are also fountains on the island approximately a quarter mile both clockwise and counter-clockwise.
Bathrooms: Yes. From the gate leading to the Island, there are facilities shortly after joining the Swamp Trail and running counter-clockwise (Mile 0.4).
Hazards, Safety, & Construction: The Island isn’t very crowded and the trails are wide enough to accommodate runners and walkers. In light of recent federal government shutdowns though, it’s important to note that the entrance to this park is gated and can be locked.
Sights: There is a monument to President Theodore Roosevelt about a quarter-mile from the gate at the start of the bridge to the island. There are also great view of the Georgetown waterfront from the north end of the Island.
Want to race it? On Saturdays, there is a Parkrun – Roosevelt Island DC at 9am.
Connections: The Mount Vernon Trail from the bridge leading to the island. (This is near the terminus of that trail in Rosslyn and the connection to the Custis Trail.)
Resources: [National Park Service] [Wikipedia] [Tag]
“The Tidal Basin” / West Potomac Park
(Washington, D.C.)
Distance: West Potomac Park includes the running surfaces surrounding “The Tidal Basin” in Washington, D.C. from the Lincoln Memorial to the northwest; and the Jefferson Memorial to the southeast; including Independence Avenue and Ohio Drive. Runners can enjoy a a loop that is roughly 2 miles around the basin itself and enjoy several sights.
Surface: Asphalt and concrete.
Terrain: Flat.
Water Fountains: Yes. However, they are often out-of-order.
Bathrooms: Yes. The most dependable is at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial (Mile 1.5), which is open year-round.
Hazards, Safety, & Construction: During heavy tourist seasons, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring, the sidewalks can be difficult to navigate. But during most of the year, it’s an enjoyable place to run. The sidewalks are also well maintained.
Sights: Going clockwise from the eastern end of the Kutz Memorial Bridge, runners pass by the Thomas Jefferson Memorial (Mile 0.7), Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial (Mile 1.1), and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial (Mile 1.5). In early April, the cherry blossom trees are in bloom and enhance the views of the monuments beautifully.
Want to race it? The Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, Army 10 Miler and the Marine Corps Marathon all go through the Tidal Basin.
Connections: The Rock Creek Park Trails to the west and “Hains Point” to the east.
Resources: [National Park Service] [Wikipedia] [Tag]
Other Resources
D.C. Road Runners – Saturday Long Run Catalog. This DCRRC website has “cue sheets” and maps for this running club’s long runs, which originate from the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.
Washington Running Club – Running Routes. This page has maps for running routes originating in Washington, D.C. – mostly from the Georgetown area.
Cristina Burbach, Where To Get a Drink on a Run Around D.C., RunWashington. This interactive map shows water fountain locations around the Washington, D.C. area. The article also includes information on bathrooms.