The Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) is a shared use off-road trail from Georgetown, D.C. to Silver Spring, MD (currently closed and detoured between Bethesda and Silver Spring), suitable for walkers, joggers, bikers, and rollerbladers. The Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail, an all-volunteer organization, has spearheaded efforts since 1986 to develop this first-class shared use trail.

The CCT is a rail-trail, built on the former route of the 11 mile Georgetown Branch of the B&O (later CSX) Railroad. The Trail is complete as a 10" wide hard surface asphalt trail from Georgetown to Bethesda, with 5 notable bridges and a tunnel offering users gentle gradients, with grade-separated crossings at all but 2 roadways (Little Falls Pkwy and Dorset Ave).

Accessing the trail in Silver Spring will allow you to start at the beginning of the Georgetown Branch (Interim) Trail, but requires using the on-road Georgetown Branch Trail for approx. two miles to the start of the interim stone-dust trail in west Silver Spring. The interim stone-dust trail is best ridden on a mountain or hybrid bike. If you are using a road bike with narrow profile tires, then you may prefer to use Bethesda as your starting point.

Directions

• Bethesda - the current northern trailhead:

From the Capital Beltway (I-495) take the Route 355 (Wisconsin Avenue) exit south toward Bethesda. In downtown Bethesda, turn right onto Bethesda Avenue. The CCT crosses Bethesda Avenue at Woodmont Avenue, 2 blocks west of Wisconsin Avenue. See "Parking along the Trail" and "Finding the Trail at Bethesda" below, for more information on this location.

• Georgetown - the southern trailhead:

The heart of Georgetown at Wisconsin Avenue and M Street can be reached from the Maryland Beltway via. Route 355 (Wisconsin Avenue) or via. the Clara Barton Parkway and Canal Road. From Virginia use I-66 to Lee Highway into Rosslyn, left onto Lynn Street and across Key Bridge, then right toward Wisconsin Avenue.

From the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, go down Wisconsin Avenue to its end under the Whitehurst Freeway at the bottom of the hill, and turn right onto Water Street. The CCT begins at the end of Water Street. Street parking is usually available along Water Street on weekends. On weekdays you may have to use one of the several pay lots along Water Street/K street.

Parking along the Trail

Whenever possible, avoid using neighborhood residential streets for parking, as this becomes an imposition on residents when substantial numbers of trail users park there.