Breaking Away: A Quick Escape From the City on the Capital Crescent Trail
Washington, D.C.
Capital Crescent Trail
Length: 11 miles
The 11-mile Capital Crescent Trail is a great way to leave behind city streets for a long, traffic-free corridor that links Georgetown with Silver Spring, Maryland. Built on an old rail right-of-way, it’s a favorite for commuters and riders who want miles without stop-and-go intersections. The route offers Potomac River overlooks, tree cover and a steady stream of people-watching. There is easy access to food and coffee at both ends.
One important note before you plan a point-to-point: the segment east of Bethesda toward Silver Spring has been closed for the Purple Line project and is expected to reopen around spring/summer 2026, with detours posted in the meantime. Check here for updates.
The rollout: Leaving city noise for river views
Most DC riders start near the Georgetown waterfront, where the trail tucks behind the bustle of M Street and the riverfront. As of early 2026, DC Water has routed a temporary detour through Georgetown Waterfront Park between 33rd and Potomac Streets NW to route users around Potomac River Tunnel construction near Water Street.
Once you’re on the corridor, the city noise fades fast. You’ll pass close to the C&O Canal Towpath access points, which makes an easy add-on if you want a different surface or a change of scenery along the canal. The Potomac River comes in and out of view, and the trail’s gentle grades make it friendly for mixed groups where one person wants to spin and another wants to cruise.
The trail can be crowded, especially near Georgetown and on nice-weather weekends, with plenty of walkers, dogs on leashes, kids, and riders moving at different speeds. If you’re training hard, you may end up braking more than you’d like. A few access crossings and pinch points also demand attention, and there is a chance that the always-oblivious types of walkers will spread across the path. If you don’t have a bell, investing in one is a good idea. And if you’re worried about looking like a dork with a bell on your bike, take heart; they’ve changed, and this one is a good example of how bells can be cool.
Bethesda has it all
Past the DC line, the trail continues toward Bethesda with long, green sections that remain close to neighborhoods and parkland.
Bethesda is a nice place pause on the way or later as you’re returning because everything you want is right there: cafes, bakeries, and plenty of post-ride options near Bethesda Row. One of the trail’s distinct features is the Air Rights Tunnel in Bethesda, which pops you out near the heart of town.
Near Bethesda, rail traffic can stack up at entrances and crossings, and the Bethesda can get a bit hectic with commuters, families, and riders coming off side paths. If you’re driving in to access the trail here, parking can be competitive depending on the day and time.
If you’re continuing on from Bethesda to Silver Spring, plan on the signed detour for now; the full through-connection is still in the works alongside Purple Line construction.
Trail Stats: Capital Crescent Trail
Location: Washington, DC to Silver Spring, Maryland
Length: 11 miles
Surface: Paved asphalt
Grade: Mostly flat with gentle rises
Trail Type: Rail-trail / shared-use path
Access Points: Georgetown Waterfront, Canal Road NW, Fletcher’s Cove, Bethesda Row
Scenery Highlights: Potomac River views, C&O Canal access, Georgetown Waterfront Park, Bethesda Air Rights Tunnel
Crowd Levels: High near Georgetown and Bethesda, especially weekends
Amenities: Water, restrooms, food, and coffee at both ends
Cycling in Washington, D.C.
A cyclist's best friend - brew up a pre-ride cup of this favorite!
Don't miss Pennsylvania's Pine Creek Rail Trail
Capital Crescent Trail
Length: 11 miles
The 11-mile Capital Crescent Trail is a great way to leave behind city streets for a long, traffic-free corridor that links Georgetown with Silver Spring, Maryland. Built on an old rail right-of-way, it’s a favorite for commuters and riders who want miles without stop-and-go intersections. The route offers Potomac River overlooks, tree cover and a steady stream of people-watching. There is easy access to food and coffee at both ends.
One important note before you plan a point-to-point: the segment east of Bethesda toward Silver Spring has been closed for the Purple Line project and is expected to reopen around spring/summer 2026, with detours posted in the meantime. Check here for updates.
The rollout: Leaving city noise for river views
Most DC riders start near the Georgetown waterfront, where the trail tucks behind the bustle of M Street and the riverfront. As of early 2026, DC Water has routed a temporary detour through Georgetown Waterfront Park between 33rd and Potomac Streets NW to route users around Potomac River Tunnel construction near Water Street.
Once you’re on the corridor, the city noise fades fast. You’ll pass close to the C&O Canal Towpath access points, which makes an easy add-on if you want a different surface or a change of scenery along the canal. The Potomac River comes in and out of view, and the trail’s gentle grades make it friendly for mixed groups where one person wants to spin and another wants to cruise.
The trail can be crowded, especially near Georgetown and on nice-weather weekends, with plenty of walkers, dogs on leashes, kids, and riders moving at different speeds. If you’re training hard, you may end up braking more than you’d like. A few access crossings and pinch points also demand attention, and there is a chance that the always-oblivious types of walkers will spread across the path. If you don’t have a bell, investing in one is a good idea. And if you’re worried about looking like a dork with a bell on your bike, take heart; they’ve changed, and this one is a good example of how bells can be cool.
Bethesda has it all
Past the DC line, the trail continues toward Bethesda with long, green sections that remain close to neighborhoods and parkland.
Bethesda is a nice place pause on the way or later as you’re returning because everything you want is right there: cafes, bakeries, and plenty of post-ride options near Bethesda Row. One of the trail’s distinct features is the Air Rights Tunnel in Bethesda, which pops you out near the heart of town.
Near Bethesda, rail traffic can stack up at entrances and crossings, and the Bethesda can get a bit hectic with commuters, families, and riders coming off side paths. If you’re driving in to access the trail here, parking can be competitive depending on the day and time.
If you’re continuing on from Bethesda to Silver Spring, plan on the signed detour for now; the full through-connection is still in the works alongside Purple Line construction.
Trail Stats: Capital Crescent Trail
Location: Washington, DC to Silver Spring, Maryland
Length: 11 miles
Surface: Paved asphalt
Grade: Mostly flat with gentle rises
Trail Type: Rail-trail / shared-use path
Access Points: Georgetown Waterfront, Canal Road NW, Fletcher’s Cove, Bethesda Row
Scenery Highlights: Potomac River views, C&O Canal access, Georgetown Waterfront Park, Bethesda Air Rights Tunnel
Crowd Levels: High near Georgetown and Bethesda, especially weekends
Amenities: Water, restrooms, food, and coffee at both ends
Cycling in Washington, D.C.
A cyclist's best friend - brew up a pre-ride cup of this favorite!
Don't miss Pennsylvania's Pine Creek Rail Trail
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