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Washington D.C.

The Greenway route through our nation's capital is scenic, passing monuments on the National Mall before crossing the Potomac River to Virginia.

Total Miles, Spine Route

13

Miles of Protected Greenway

11

dc map with trail names

Click the map for an interactive version

Current Progress

The East Coast Greenway enters the District of Columbia from the north at the Prince George’s County line in Brentwood, Maryland. From there the route is on roadways until it connects with the Met Branch Trail, which takes you to Union Station. 

From Union Station, travelers will proceed to the National Mall. The Mall takes trail users west to the Memorial Bridge and the Potomac River crossing to Virginia, connecting with the scenic Mount Vernon Trail. 

We're working with the Washington Area Bicyclists Association and the Capital Trails Coalition to develop a well-coordinated trail network throughout the D.C. area, including gaps in the Greenway route.

Traveling by train? 

Quick tips when using Amtrak with your bike: Do your research in advance; each train line features different bike rack equipment and loading procedures. Check Amtrak for the latest and when in doubt: call the station if you have questions. Click for more: https://www.amtrak.com/bike

Washington, D.C. Contacts

Growing the East Coast Greenway in DC and Virginia | Elliott Caldwell

Designated Trails in Washington, D.C.

Mileage counts reflect the portion of each trail that is part of East Coast Greenway.

  • Met Branch Trail; 2 mi

  • National Mall Path; 2 mi

  • Lincoln Memorial to Arlington Memorial Bridge, 0.3 mi

  • Arlington Memorial Bridge, 0.4 mi

 

dc anacostia riverwalk trail
Approach to a bridge on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail in Washington, D.C.

Greenway Guidance

While the East Coast Greenway Alliance is constantly improving the safety of the Greenway route through its advocacy efforts, many of the current on-road connections, including those on the Greenway’s interim routes, have little or no special provisions for bicyclists or pedestrians. Long-distance travel via on-road sections of the Greenway is recommended for experienced cyclists only. Many lengthy traffic-free segments of the Greenway are suitable for families and cyclists, walkers and runners of all ages and abilities. 

The current on-road routing is housed on low-traffic roads whenever possible. We aim to be as clear as we are able about the conditions riders can expect by including alerts for known stressful sections on our online mapping tool at map.greenway.org. Directional signage may or may not be present along the route. Users are advised to review state traffic laws, research current road conditions and discuss plans with people familiar with area roadways.

This website provides information for the public about trails and roads for traveling the interim route of the East Coast Greenway and their general suitability for long-distance cycling and walking. The East Coast Greenway Alliance and those involved with the development and publication of this website do not assume any liability for injuries, damage or loss to persons using this information or the routes suggested. People using this information are responsible for their own safety and should take appropriate precautions. 

Our Partners in Washington, D.C.

Partners include but are not limited to:

News and features of interest

elliott new segments vertical
January 8, 2024

Video: 2023's new DC and Virginia segments

20230411 103940
May 9, 2023

New D.C. cycle track a key Greenway link

ecg board brandon douglass
May 4, 2023

Video: Meet Board Chair Brandon Douglass

Want to see the Greenway grow in Washington, D.C.?

Together, let's grow the Greenway

Recent record-setting funding for design and construction goes directly to building the East Coast Greenway - as it should. The East Coast Greenway Alliance needs your support to continue our advocacy work that is fueling completion of the Greenway. The Alliance has a sustained track record of turning every dollar donated to our nonprofit into $100 in public infrastructure investment. Invest today and support the growth of the East Coast Greenway from Maine to Florida.