The 14th Street Bridge/Key Bridge Route provides excellent views of West Potomac Park, the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Memorial, the Potomac River and the Georgetown skyline. There is one solitary hill, as one approaches Key Bridge. Otherwise the loop is flat. This route is mercifully free of traffic as well. The one drawback to this loop is the absence of shade along the Virginia side of the Potomac.

Those who wish to extend the loop can do Roosevelt Island (one mile circumference) which is accessible from the Mt Veron Trail, half a mile north of Memorial Bridge.

This route can be run on both weekdays and weekends.

 Directions

1)    Begin at the 3300 Block of M Street NW proceeding east

2)    Cross Wisconsin Avenue

3)     Branch right onto Pennsylvania Avenue (The Four Season Hotel is on your right)

4)    Turn right on exit ramp for Rock Creek Parkway. This is just beyond the Four Seasons Hotel

5)    Turn right on Rock Creek bike path, heading south

6)    Continue on bike path 400 yards beyond Kennedy Center and bridge underpass

7)    Cross road, and bear left on path as it goes by volley ball courts. Do not stay straight and ascend ramp to Lincoln Memorial!

8)    Follow path thru second bridge underpass, keeping the Potomac River on your right. You will see steps leading to Lincoln Memorial on your left.

9)    Follow path as it parallels Potomac River, past Roosevelt Memorial.

10)    Cross Bridge over Tidal Basin. Bear right.

11)    You are in East Potomac Park/Hains Point. Continue on road until first Bridge. This is the 14th Street Bridge. Turn left and ascend steps.

12)    Cross Bridge across Potomac.

13)    Once you reach the Mt. Vernon Trail (which parallels the Potomac) turn left and head north (upriver).

14)    Follow the path almost three miles north until you encounter intersection with road. Turn right.

15)    Cross Key Bridge. Once you get to M Street, turn right to return to start

Georgetown has numerous places to quench your thirst and sate your appetite. Enjoy!

Last updated: February 2nd, 1999. Back to the WRC Home Page