Capital Crescent Trail

A beautiful, easy hike amidst woodlands and meadows, the Capital Crescent Trail offers breathtaking views of the Potomac River and its graceful bridges for commuters heading into the nation's Capital. It's also a very pupular recreational trail, and on any given weekend, you and your fur-buddy will definitely not be alone. Stretching from Bethesda, Maryland to Washington, D.C., the trail offers hikers, bikers and dog-walkers a puptastic trek, and is even wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.

You'll find the DC trailhead at Wisconsin Avenue NW and K Street NW inside the Georgetown Waterfront Park. In spite of its urban character, the Capital Crescent Trail removes visitors from the hustle and bustle of the Capital and transports them to a nature-filled swath of green with plentiful wildlife, including deer, foxes and rabbits. Birds are common, including the impressive double-crested cormorants perched in the trees alongside the trail. Wildflowers, as well as planted borders and beds, line the trail, and you'll find benches for pawtastic breaks along the way. 

Four bridges provide variety and views of the C+O Canal, including the Arizona Avenue Trestle Bridge which has been refurbished for trail users. Two pawsome tunnels take hikers under highways, one of which, the Decarlia Tunnel, also features the work of local graffiti artists. There are no restrooms at the trailheads, but the trail travels near quite a few establishments where a snack and relief can be found. Water fountains are scattered throughout the trail's route, so be sure to have water bottles to refill.

As you travel north away from Washington, D.C., you'll be heading to the city of Bethesda. Currently and temporarily, the trail ends here as construction is ongoing for it to continue on to Silver Springs. To access the trail in Bethesda, look for it as it crosses Bethesda Avenue at Woodmont Avenue. At both trailheads, signage is clear and large. 

Always keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet long anywhere you travel along the trail. Keep clean-up bags handy, and be sure your dog leaves nothing behind.

With amazing views and furbulous spots to explore, the Capital Crescent Trail is an adventure waiting for your and your pup!