Running and Walking Trails in the D.C. Metro Area, by Neighborhood

One of the best things about living in the D.C. area is how easy it is to get outside. There are miles of paved trails for running, walking and biking, many of them following the Potomac and Anacostia rivers or old railroad corridors. They connect neighborhoods, parks and Metro stations, so you can often get to a good trail without getting in the car.

If you’re looking for running trails in DC or nearby Virginia and Maryland, this guide covers some of the area’s main routes, along with parks and trail access near several JBG SMITH Living neighborhoods. We’ve also included a few closures and construction projects worth knowing about before you head out.

The major running and walking trails

The Mount Vernon Trail is one of the area’s most popular places to run, walk or bike. The 18-mile paved trail follows the Virginia side of the Potomac from George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate north to Theodore Roosevelt Island. It also connects with several other regional trails, including the Potomac Heritage, Custis, Rock Creek, Four Mile Run and Woodrow Wilson Bridge trails. The National Park Service lists trail hours as 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round, although commuters are permitted at any time.

The Capital Crescent Trail follows a former railroad route for 11 miles between Georgetown and Silver Spring. The paved portion runs from Georgetown to Woodmont Avenue in downtown Bethesda, making it a convenient option for people living in Bethesda or heading into DC.

The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail follows both sides of the Anacostia River. The full system is planned as a 20-mile route connecting the National Mall at the Tidal Basin with Bladensburg Marina Park in Maryland. Along the way, it passes places including Nationals Park, the Fish Market, historic Anacostia, RFK Stadium and the National Arboretum. The trail has opened in phases, so published mileage can vary depending on which sections are being counted.

The Metropolitan Branch Trail runs for about 8 miles between Union Station and Silver Spring. Through NoMa and Eckington, it follows the rail corridor and serves both as a neighborhood trail and a practical commuter route.

Rock Creek Park offers something a little different. The park stretches through the center of the District, with wooded trails and roads that are particularly popular with runners, walkers and cyclists. The National Park Service keeps roughly five miles of park roads closed to vehicles year-round, including sections of Beach Drive as well as Bingham Drive and Sherrill Drive. Dogs must be kept on leash, and visitors should stay on designated trails.

Navy Yard and the Capitol Riverfront

For residents of Navy Yard, the Anacostia waterfront is right outside the neighborhood.

The Yards Park is a 5.4-acre waterfront park with a quarter-mile boardwalk that forms part of the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. It’s also a popular spot for events, with summer concerts, fitness classes and festivals held throughout the year.

A few blocks away, Canal Park offers another easy place to get outside. The three-acre park is known for its 42-jet dancing fountain during the warmer months. In winter, the same area becomes an outdoor skating rink.

JBG SMITH Living communities in this area include West Half, F1RST Residences and 1221 Van. Explore Navy Yard apartments to see what’s currently available.

National Landing

National Landing sits along the Potomac in Arlington, making it especially convenient for anyone who wants access to trails without giving up an urban setting.

The Mount Vernon Trail runs along the area’s eastern edge, with a paved route toward Old Town Alexandria in one direction and Theodore Roosevelt Island in the other.

Long Bridge Park adds another option. The more than 36-acre park includes an elevated promenade running alongside the rail corridor, connecting Crystal City with the Mount Vernon Trail. Along the way, there are views across the Potomac, Roaches Run and toward the monuments in Washington, DC.

Just north of Reagan National Airport, Gravelly Point is another well-known stop along the Mount Vernon Trail. The open field sits directly beneath the airport’s approach path, so it’s a particularly memorable place to take a break and watch planes come in.

JBG SMITH Living has seven communities in National Landing: RiverHouse, 220 Twentieth Street, The Grace, Reva, The Zoe, Valen and The Bartlett. Explore National Landing apartments to compare them.

Shaw and the U Street Corridor

If you’re living around Shaw or U Street, there are a couple of good options nearby.

Meridian Hill Park is the closest, with its distinctive terraces and long views along 16th Street. Rock Creek Park is also just to the west and offers a much larger network of trails and green space.

JBG SMITH Living communities in the area include 901W, Atlantic Plumbing, The Wren and 13|U. Explore Shaw and U Street apartments to see current availability.

Union Market and Eckington

Alethia Tanner Park, at 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, connects directly to the Metropolitan Branch Trail. The 2.5-acre park includes an open lawn, children’s playground and dedicated dog park. It’s also used for community events, including a weekly farmers market and outdoor movie nights.

The Batley and Judd & Weiler are both located in this area. Explore Union Market and Eckington apartments to see available floor plans and pricing.

Bethesda

The Capital Crescent Trail is especially convenient if you live in downtown Bethesda. Montgomery Parks lists the trailhead at Woodmont Avenue and Bethesda Avenue, where the paved route heads toward Georgetown. The roughly 7 mile journey into DC is downhill, so be sure to reserve the energy you’ll need to complete the mellow climb back to Bethesda!

8001 Woodmont is located on the same street, putting the trail within easy reach. Explore Bethesda apartments for more details.

What to check before you go

Trail and park hours aren’t the same everywhere. For example, the National Park Service lists the Mount Vernon Trail as open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., while individual parks and county-managed trails may have different hours or close at dusk.

Construction is another thing to check, especially if you’re planning a longer run or bike ride. Purple Line construction has affected the Capital Crescent Trail east of Bethesda, while rehabilitation work continues at Meridian Hill Park.

For the most current information, check the agency that manages the trail or park before you head out. Montgomery Parks, DDOT, Arlington County Parks and Recreation and the National Park Service are good places to start.

Dogs are welcome on many area trails and in many parks, but leashes are generally required. Rock Creek Park, for example, specifically asks visitors to keep dogs on leash and stay on designated trails. If you’re looking for an off-leash area, check for a designated dog park rather than assuming dogs can run free.

JBG SMITH Living communities near parks and trails

JBG SMITH Living has communities in each of the five areas covered in this guide.

In Navy Yard, you’ll find West Half, F1RST Residences and 1221 Van.

In National Landing, the communities are RiverHouse, 220 Twentieth Street, The Grace, Reva, The Zoe, Valen and The Bartlett.

In Shaw and the U Street Corridor, JBG SMITH Living communities include 901W, Atlantic Plumbing, The Wren and 13|U.

In Union Market and Eckington, there are The Batley and Judd & Weiler.

In Bethesda, there’s 8001 Woodmont.

If being close to a particular trail is important to you, start with the trail itself. Look at the access points, see which neighborhoods are nearby, and then check the distance from individual apartment communities. A few blocks can make a big difference when you’re heading out for a morning run or a quick walk after work.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best trail for walking or running in the DC area?

It really depends on where you live. The Mount Vernon Trail is convenient from Arlington, the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is an easy option from Navy Yard, the Metropolitan Branch Trail runs through NoMa and Eckington, and the Capital Crescent Trail is close to downtown Bethesda. All four offer paved routes for walking, running and biking.

Can you bike from Washington, DC to Bethesda?

Yes. The Capital Crescent Trail is paved from Georgetown to Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda. From Bethesda, the path follows Little Falls Parkway toward the Dalecarlia Reservoir, passes through the Palisades area of DC and descends gently toward the Potomac River, then runs alongside the C&O Canal towpath into Georgetown.

Are there parks near Navy Yard?

Yes. Both Yards Park and Canal Park are in the neighborhood, and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail runs along the waterfront through Yards Park.

Do you need a car to reach parks in the DC area?

Not for most of the parks and trails covered here. Many are within walking distance of the neighborhoods they serve, and others are accessible by Metro or bikeshare. A car becomes more useful for parks farther outside DC in Maryland and Virginia, which aren’t covered in this guide.

Are dogs allowed on DC-area trails?

Generally, yes, but dogs usually need to be on leash. Rock Creek Park specifically requires dogs to stay leashed and on designated trails, and similar rules apply across many DC, Arlington County and Montgomery County parks. Check the rules for the specific park you’re visiting, especially if you’re looking for an off-leash area.

Choosing a neighborhood with the outdoors in mind

If easy access to parks and trails is part of your apartment search, start with the places you actually want to use. Find the trail or park that fits your routine, look at the nearby neighborhoods, and then check the walking distance from specific apartment communities to the nearest entrance or trailhead.

That extra step can help you find a location that works not just on a map, but for your everyday routine.

Search available apartments across Arlington, DC and Bethesda to compare locations.