Crescent Trail Cruise

Paved Path - 15 miles

The Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) is a rail trail project running though the Northwest D.C. Area. On weekends, it is a VERY popular spot for local cyclists and rollerbladers. During weekdays, bike commuters use the CCT to travel between Downtown DC and the Northwest Suburbs.

The southern 7 miles between Georgetown and Bethesda has a 9-foot wide asphalt surface and is in excellent condition.

The trail starts in Georgetown at the western end of Water Street N.W. (Right underneath the Whitehurst Freeway and Key Bridge). The first three miles offers some wonderful views as it follows the Potomac River and the C & O Canal. The trail then crosses Canal Road and heads north through some really up scale neighborhoods. Overpasses are now in place at the busier crossings (including the new River Road overpass) and a tunnel takes you under MacArthur Blvd. The paved trail abruptly ends at Bethesda Ave., about 2 blocks west of Wisconsin Ave. This entire section has a pretty good gradual uphill climb, with the "steepest" incline about the midpoint.

MacArthur to Great Falls Maryland

Road - 29 miles

MacArthur is one of the most popular roads that takes cyclists out to the beautiful suburban climbs DC has to offer.

This route starts on the Crescent trail to warm up and links up with MacArthur Boulevard where you are likely to see other cyclists of all abilities. MacArthur has a calmer bike path as well as nice tarmac if you are looking to go fast on the flats. At the end of MacArthur, stop for water at Great Falls Park and test your legs up the an epic climb of the ride. From there, follow the trail on Falls Road to head down Oaklyn’s country club rollers and a fast descent on Persimmon Tree back to MacArthur.

Hains Point Classic Loop

Paved Path/Road - 9 / ∞ miles

Hains Point in Southwest isn’t the most scenic bike route in the city, but it is nicely separated from traffic and offers some great straightaways to work up speed. For that reason, it’s a favorite of serious competitive cyclists and triathletes in the city.

On weekday evenings and weekends, you’ll find cyclists doing ten or even twenty 5-mile loops. The views of the Potomac River and the Washington Monument get old after the first couple laps, but you won’t find wide lanes with limited car access like these anywhere else. If you’re looking to get in a flat but fast bike workout, Hains Point is for you. Route stats: three or five mile loop, paved, plenty of room for passing, and limited car access. It’s the perfect spot for a quick spin or as many laps as your heart desires.

Bluemont Connection Gravel Grind

Gravel - 16+ miles

Roll out on the C & O towpath to Lock 8 and climb up to MacArthur at Cabin John. From there, ride down MacArthur until Brookmont (Maryland Ave) and cut into the neighborhood and cross back over to the towpath for the return to High Road Cycling. Mileage can be extended the further up the towpath you go.

Want to go with a group? Check out this ride on our events page to join the Bluemont Connection x High Road Cycling Gravel Grind .