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

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: May 18, 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.

Tip by

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 Taft Bridge and Peirce Mill. Along the route hikers can find picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking fountains. Open year-round, the trail welcomes dogs, with some areas allowing off-leash.

Tip by

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 along the canal, it is now converted into a multi-use trail for outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes.

Tip by

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.

Tip by

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.

Tip by

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 waterwheel stand as a quiet counterpoint to the city just beyond the trees.

Tip by

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 sprawl of Washington.

Although the path is paved, take care as leaves and branches often cover the route and roots have grown through in places.
The path is shared with runners and walkers too.

Tip by

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, which both cover about three and a half acres, and were added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 6, 1975. Mount Zion Cemetery, founded in 1808 as The Old Methodist Burial Ground, initially served both White and Black individuals but became predominantly African American after 1849. The Female Union Band Society Cemetery, established in 1842, was created by freed Black women for their community. Together, these cemeteries reflect the rich African American history of Georgetown.

Tip by

51.2 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

36.5 km

5.52 km

4.14 km

3.20 km

1.03 km

741 m

146 m

Surfaces

44.1 km

5.82 km

801 m

354 m

170 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (110 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

Weather

Today

Sunday 12 July

28°C

22°C

86 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Description

If you're looking for a substantial road cycling route that feels like an escape from the city, the Rock Creek Trail – Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park loop from Rhode Island Avenue–Brentwood delivers. This moderate 31.8-mile (51.2 km) route, with 978 feet (298 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 2 hours and 15 minutes, offering a fantastic workout and a refreshing dose of nature right in Washington, D.C.'s backyard. It's perfect for cyclists who want a longer, car-free experience without leaving the urban area.

What to expect on Rock Creek Trail – Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park loop from Rhode Island Avenue–Brentwood

Expect a journey through a lush, natural corridor that often makes you forget you're in a bustling city. The route blends paved multi-use trails with designated road sections, many of which are car-free, especially on weekends. You'll meander alongside Rock Creek, pass historic stone bridges, and cycle past landmarks like Peirce Mill, an operational gristmill from the 1820s. While much of the ride is smooth, be prepared for some gently sloping sections and a more significant uphill grade when heading north from Washington, D.C., particularly near Military Road NW, which can be quite steep. This makes it a great option for road cyclists with good fitness looking for varied terrain.

Planning your visit

A major highlight for cyclists is the year-round closure of significant portions of Beach Drive to vehicular traffic, creating wide, smooth, car-free zones ideal for cycling, particularly on weekends and holidays. The trail is easily accessible from Rhode Island Avenue–Brentwood, and you'll find amenities like picnic areas, restrooms, and water fountains along the way. Be aware that some multi-use path segments can have roots causing breaks in the asphalt, so keep an eye on the surface.

Trail details

Distance: 31.8 miles (51.2 km)
Elevation gain: 978 feet (298 metres)
Difficulty: moderate
Estimated time: 2 hours and 15 minutes

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

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Rock Creek Trail

C&O Canal Mile Marker 0

Key Bridge Boathouse

Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park

Pierce Mill

Rock Creek Trail

Mount Zion Cemetery

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