The Memorial Bridge/Key Bridge Route provides excellent views of 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.

Runners should exercise caution when crossing the GW parkway. Physics teaches us that when a smaller object meets a larger object, smart money is on the latter. Those who wish to extend the loop can do Roosevelt Island (one mile circumference) which is accessible from the Mt Veron Trail, half 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 to 400 yards beyond Kennedy Center and bridge underpass

7)    Continue straight and ascend ramp towards Lincoln Memorial.

8)    Turn right after you pass statue of lion. Run down steps.

9)    Follow sidewalk south. Do not cross road

10)   Bear left on sidewalk until you are on the south sidewalk of Memorial Bridge.

11)    Cross Memorial Bridge

12)    As you exit Memorial Bridge bear left towards the Mt. Vernon Trail. You will cross the GW parkway twice. EXERCISE CAUTION!

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

14)    Follow path 1.5 miles north until you get to 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: September 10th, 1999. Back to WRC home page