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The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O) Canal Trail offers a great option for a longer distance run. The trail is a 184-mile (!) tow path that runs along the Potomac River from Georgetown all the way to Cumberland, MD. The surface is mainly crushed stone, but there are sections of brick & concrete. Very flat. There are nice water views, and also many sections of the path are fairly shaded. The C&O is accessible from Rock Creek Park, and is also one of the best running options if you are staying in the Georgetown area. Choose any distance you like! The closest D.C. start point is at the Georgetown Visitor Center at Wisconsin and M Streets.
The path is mainly on the DC/Maryland (northeast) side. Some good distances, from Georgetown, heading north, paralleling the Clara Burton Parkway (see map):
- 5.0 miles one way: Georgetown Visitor Center to Lock 5, just over the Maryland border
- 10.0 miles one way: Georgetown Visitor Center to Billy Goat Trail C, near Carderock
- 15.0 miles one way: Visitor Center to just north of the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
Note: A Parkrun happens every Saturday 9am in Fletcher’s Cove, the part of the path 2 miles north of Georgetown. See our D.C. map for more information.
Essentials
- Various Options -- See table
- Closest D.C. start point is at the Georgetown Visitor Center at Wisconsin and M Streets.
- Closest D.C. start point is at the Georgetown Visitor Center at Wisconsin and M Streets.
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