Rock Creek Trail – Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park loop from Rhode Island Avenue–Brentwood
Rock Creek Trail – Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park loop from Rhode Island Avenue–Brentwood
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riders
Rock Creek Trail – Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park loop from Rhode Island Avenue–Brentwood
02:15
51.2km
300m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Tips
Temporary access restrictions
Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.
After 40.4 km for 790 m
Open: • 7:00 AM-5:00 PM (otherwise closed) Closed: • Public holidays
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
11.3 km
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
12.4 km
Rock Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
12.9 km
C&O Canal Mile Marker 0
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
14.8 km
Key Bridge Boathouse
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
30.7 km
Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
38.1 km
Pierce Mill
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
42.6 km
Rock Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
43.2 km
Mount Zion Cemetery
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
51.2 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
36.5 km
5.52 km
4.14 km
3.20 km
1.03 km
741 m
146 m
Surfaces
44.1 km
5.82 km
801 m
354 m
170 m
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Elevation
Highest point (110 m)
Lowest point (0 m)
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Weather
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Today
Tuesday 14 July
34°C
19°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a substantial road cycling route that feels like an escape from the city, the Rock Creek Trail – Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park loop from Rhode Island Avenue–Brentwood delivers. This moderate 31.8-mile (51.2 km) route, with 978 feet (298 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 2 hours and 15 minutes, offering a fantastic workout and a refreshing dose of nature right in Washington, D.C.'s backyard. It's perfect for cyclists who want a longer, car-free experience without leaving the urban area.
What to expect on Rock Creek Trail – Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park loop from Rhode Island Avenue–Brentwood
Expect a journey through a lush, natural corridor that often makes you forget you're in a bustling city. The route blends paved multi-use trails with designated road sections, many of which are car-free, especially on weekends. You'll meander alongside Rock Creek, pass historic stone bridges, and cycle past landmarks like Peirce Mill, an operational gristmill from the 1820s. While much of the ride is smooth, be prepared for some gently sloping sections and a more significant uphill grade when heading north from Washington, D.C., particularly near Military Road NW, which can be quite steep. This makes it a great option for road cyclists with good fitness looking for varied terrain.
Planning your visit
A major highlight for cyclists is the year-round closure of significant portions of Beach Drive to vehicular traffic, creating wide, smooth, car-free zones ideal for cycling, particularly on weekends and holidays. The trail is easily accessible from Rhode Island Avenue–Brentwood, and you'll find amenities like picnic areas, restrooms, and water fountains along the way. Be aware that some multi-use path segments can have roots causing breaks in the asphalt, so keep an eye on the surface.
Trail details
- Distance: 31.8 miles (51.2 km)
- Elevation gain: 978 feet (298 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
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