This route provides a view of some excellent bridge architecture over Rock Creek, and takes you to Ross Drive, arguably the most beautiful stretch of road in DC.

If you run this route of a weekday, use the Valley Trail, rather than Beach Drive for the first 1.6 miles of the return trip south. The loop is relatively challenging, with some abrupt hills and quick turns.

Ross Drive we call "High Road" for reasons that will soon become apparent to you. The U.S. Park Police Rock Creek Park Substation we call "The Ranger Station", because it is less of a bureaucratic mouthful.

If you need to see the adjoining map in greater detail, click here.

 Directions

1)    Begin at the 3300 Block of M Street NW proceeding east (toward downtown DC)

2)     Branch right onto Pennsylvania Avenue (The Four Seasons Hotel is on your right)

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

4)    Turn left on Rock Creek bike path, heading north

5)    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.

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

7)    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.

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

9)    From the far end of the zoo, continue on bike path 1.5 miles to Pierce Mill, which has bathrooms and drinking fountains.

10)    Continue past the mill. Bike path will merge into a short parking lot

11)    At end of Parking lot and stop sign, take a quick left

12)    After 30 yards, take first right onto Glover Rd. This is an unmarked road

13)    Run up hill. Take first right on Ross Drive. Like Glover, Ross is an unmarked road

14)    Ross Drive is the most beautiful mile of road in Washington. The view off to the right is particularly striking in the winter, when the bare trees reveal the depth of the valley formed by the creek over centuries

15)    Take a right at stop sign that marks the end of Ross Drive

16)    At this point you can take your first right on Valley Trail which runs on the West side of Rock Creek and follow to its end (bearing left whenever in doubt). Or you can cross the Bridge and take Beach Drive south. Not recommended however, when Beach Drive is open to traffic.

17)    Proceed south on either trail or Road 1.6 miles.

18)    At stop sign, cross road, and return to bike path.

19)    Retrace route to Pennsylvania Ave, NW

20)    Turn left on M St., and proceed .6 miles west to the finish.

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

Last updated: 2004. Go to WRC home page