The Klingle Road-Cathedral Loop takes one through the National Zoo via the Rock Creek Bike path. Three and a half miles into the run, it ascends Klingle Road, a street closed back in the late 1980s because of severe drainage problems. Klingle Road is steep, and often has trees lying across it. This make it either fun or unpleasant to run, depending upon one's perspective.

Half a mile after Klingle ends, you will reach Wisconsin Avenue, and the National Cathedral. This is the highest point in DC. On a clear day, you can see Virginia from this vantage. From National Cathedral to Georgetown, it is a 1.5 mile downhill descent via Wisconsin Avenue and 34th Street. You will in all likelihood be forced to stop at traffic lights.

This run can not be done at night, as Klingle lacks street lights.

 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 left on Rock Creek bike path, heading north

6)    Continue on Bike Path past the P and Q street bridges up to stop sign at Calvert Street (about 1.5 miles) Ahead of you will be the Taft and Duke Ellington Bridge, two very striking structures.

7)    Cross road, and .25 miles further take a sharp left just before the tunnel.

8)    Proceed into National Zoo. THe gate is closed from mid-October thru mid April at 5:00 p.m. During summer months, the gate is open until 8:00 PM.

9)    Go across service road and exit gate, to the other side of the bypassed tunnel

10)    From the far end of the zoo, continue on bike path .5 miles to Klingle Road. Klingle Road is just before you cross under the Porter Street Bridge. Take a left on Klingle.

11)    Klingle is closed to cars. Run up a consideral hill .75 miles to Woodley Road. There may be trees across the road - in which case you can do a steeplechase workout simultaneous with your hill workout.

11)    Take a right on Woodley. Proceed up to Wisconsin Avenue. The National Cathedral will be on your left.

12)    Take a left on Wisconsin. Run to 34th Street, which is just across from the Safeway.

13)    Take a right on 34th. Proceed back to M Street, and start of run.

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

Last updated: September 15th, 1999. Back to WRC home page