This route heads Northwest along the C&O Canal and returns to Georgetown via the MacArthur Blvd. The highlight is the turnaround point, where you get a excellent view of the Cabin John Aqueduct, a 220-foot single span masonry arch - the world's largest for more than 40 years (between 1863 and 1903).

This particular route was pioneered by Gerry Ives, one of the founding fathers of the WRC, who tends to run it at 4:30 in the morning (unfortunately, the world has not yet devised a 12 step program for the likes of him).

This route can be run on both weekdays and weekends.

 Directions

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. If there is still construction at Key Bridge (and this is likely for the next 50 years) you need to make a detour under the Whitehurst Freeway. In practical terms, this means descending another level to K street, running under Key Bridge, and ascending back to the C&O canal. Follow signs.

4)    Head west on C&O Canal towpath toward Maryland.

5)    Cross the canal at the footbridge 1/2 mile past lock 7 (about 7 miles from Georgetown).

6)    Bear to the right immediately after crossing the bridge.

7)    Approximately 100 meters later, bear to the left underneath the Clara Barton Parkway.

8)    Follow the trail up to MacArthur Blvd. You will see the famous Cabin John "single lane bridge" to your left.

9)    Turn right on the bikepath along MacArthur Blvd. Follow bikepath back into DC. The bikepath ends at the DC line, but you can run on the sidewalk all the way back to Georgetown.

10)    MacArthur Blvd. runs into Foxhall Road at mile 13 of the return run. Turn right on Foxhall down to Canal Road.

11)    Follow Canal Road back to Georgetown.

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

Last updated: December 28, 2004. Back to WRC home page