Capital Crescent Trail (Georgetown to Bethesda)

The Capital Crescent Trail is a converted railway corridor that links Georgetown in Washington, DC with Bethesda, Maryland, a distance of about 11 miles (17.7 km) one way. The trailhead sits on Water St NW below the Whitehurst Freeway in Georgetown, and the Bethesda end connects to the Red Line Metro station. Elevation gain is gradual, about 150 ft (46 m) over the full length, so the grade is gentle, but the distance puts a one-way walk at roughly four hours, which places the full route in the moderate category for walkers. Cyclists typically need about two hours. Reaching the trailhead is easiest by DC Circulator to Georgetown, since there is no Metro station in the neighborhood, and the Bethesda terminus allows a one-way trip with a train return. No permit or fee is required. The surface is paved asphalt for most of the distance, with a crushed stone section in the Maryland portion beyond the paved trail in some areas, and the trail is shared by walkers, runners and cyclists. Much of the route is tree-lined, providing consistent shade, and it passes the Potomac River, the Palisades neighborhood and the Dalecarlia area, where a tunnel section is dark enough that a light is useful. Hikers also pass Georgetown's waterfront, the old railway bridges, and quiet suburban stretches in Maryland. Natural turnaround points include Georgetown's riverfront, mid-route road crossings and the Bethesda station area, each with food and transit access. Water fountains exist at a few trailheads but are not reliable, so carrying water is advisable on longer walks. Because the trail is well signed and crosses roads frequently, bail-out is easy. Walkers should keep right and stay alert for faster bicycles.