Rock Creek Trail – Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park loop from Rhode Island Avenue–Brentwood

Road cycling routes

United States

District Of Columbia

Rock Creek Trail – Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park loop from Rhode Island Avenue–Brentwood

Moderate

2.6

(9)

riders

Rock Creek Trail – Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park loop from Rhode Island Avenue–Brentwood

02:15

51.2km

300m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 23, 2026

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.

After 40.4 km for 790 m

Open: • 7:00 AM-5:00 PM (otherwise closed) Closed: • Public holidays

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

11.3 km

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Highlight • Monument

Following the bike/foot path on the southern outskirts of the Kennedy Center grounds accesses the pedestrian/bicycle path over the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, which spits you out just where the parking lot is for Theodore Roosevelt island.

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12.4 km

Rock Creek Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Rock Creek Trail is a popular spot for foot traffic. Starting from the parking lot off Virginia Avenue, the paved path follows Rock Creek, passing landmarks like the William Howard …

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12.9 km

C&O Canal Mile Marker 0

Highlight • Trail

This point marks the start of the 185-mile C&O Canal Towpath Trail that runs from Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. Originally built as a way for mules to tow boats …

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14.8 km

Key Bridge Boathouse

Highlight • Rest Area

Boathouse where canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards can be rented. Great way to explore the Potomac shoreline up and down stream.

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30.7 km

Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Like riding on a cloud, the new asphalt is A #1. Car free Saturday and Sunday, so watch out for pedestrians and ride away. Restrooms and waysides along the road.

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38.1 km

Pierce Mill

Highlight • Monument

Once a working gristmill in the 1800s, Pierce Mill offers a glimpse into early Washington industry amid the woodland calm of Rock Creek Park. Today, its restored stone walls and …

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42.6 km

Rock Creek Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Rock Creek Trail is a 16-mile (25.7 km) Greenway between Needwood Lake and Beach Drive. The trail leads through Rock Greek Regional Park, a lovely nature spot amongst the urban …

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43.2 km

Mount Zion Cemetery

Highlight • Historical Site

From this spot on the Rock Creek Trail you can see the historic Mount Zion Cemetery. This historically significant burial ground is adjacent to the Female Union Band Society Cemetery, …

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