The C&O Canal is 185 miles long, beginning in Georgetown and continuing to Cumberland, Md. It is rather popular with bikers and hikers, especially south of Chain Bridge, and near Great Falls.

The path is flat, shaded with mile markers, making this an excellent marathon training run. Water fountains at Fletchers Boathouse, and at mile marker #5. The only possible drawback to this route is an absence of challenging hills. You may or may not consider this a problem.

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

2)    Take left at Francis Scott Key Park (just before Key Bridge)

3)     Drop onto C&O Canal.

4)    Head west on C&O Canal towpath toward Maryland. Mile Marker #2, which is missing, used to be 20 feet west of Key Bridge

5)    Turn around halfway through your run.

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

Last updated: September 10th, 1999. Back to WRC home page