Running is one of the fastest growing sports in America, according to iSPORT360, and one of the best ways to get exercise. But with so many options, it’s hard to choose where to run in the DMV. Here are some popular trails in and around Montgomery County.
Rock Creek Trail:
Many members of the CESJDS distance running team consider the Rock Creek Trail the perfect training ground. This is because it is the training trail that has led to the three Maryland State Cross Country titles the team has won over the last four years. Its proximity to JDS and its hills make it the perfect place to train. This trail is the main trail bordering Maryland’s segment of Rock Creek, as such, it gets a lot of attention.
Rock Creek trail is a paved, narrow trail with short rolling hills throughout. It starts at the Maryland border with Washington, D.C. and runs all the way to Lake Needwood which is east of Rockville. The 14 miles of the trail can be accessed throughout much of Montgomery County, including Kensington, Chevy Chase and Rockville. There are plenty of parking lots along the trail that can be used as starting points and many benches along the trail if one wants to sit down mid-run.
The trail runs through the middle of Rock Creek Park so the views are always amazing, especially during spring when the entire area is green and the trees are blooming. Scenery like this make the run go by very quickly.
The trail’s surface can be a little hard for longer runs, as some parts of the trail have cracks and mud, but on portions farther south from JDS, the trail’s surface is much clearer. It is important to look out for bikers on a narrow trail like this one, as they will come fast and take up much of the trail when passing.
Despite this, the sharp rolling hills on this trail make it a good place for incline training as opposed to the other trails, which are flat and can be run on faster. Some of the trail has a dirt feel, giving it the ability to imitate the feeling of a dirt path, leading to a more realistic environment to mimic a trail race.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail:
The Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal Trail is one of the longest and most historic trails in the area, as it originally served as a way to track shipping on the C&O Canal. Now, this 50-mile trail, though most people will not run that far, is a favorite for people wanting a long run next to the Potomac River.
The trail runs along the Potomac River, starting in D.C., and following it through Maryland. It can be accessed through Potomac and Glen Echo. In D.C, there is an access point at mile zero in Georgetown and then a few other parking locations such as Fletcher’s Cove in Southern D.C.
In Maryland, there are parking lots every mile and a half throughout the Clara Barton Parkway and after that, MacArthur Boulevard. These long roads run along the trail so one can feel free to park wherever is easiest.
The trail is made of dirt gravel, which makes it easy on the legs and its distance and view make it the perfect choice for a nice long run in the DMV. The trail gives an amazing view of the Potomac River. With a long, flat path and plenty of other runners there for motivation, it makes for a great place to run.
Additionally, many races are held there almost weekly. There are 5Ks, 10Ks, half-marathons and sometimes even marathons along the trail. So, if a runner is looking to run a personal best, then they can do so at the same place they train.
Beach Drive:
Beach Drive is an ideal trail choice in the D.C. area. It runs throughout much of D.C. and can be accessed from most parts of 16th Street and Connecticut Avenue. Beach Drive does continue into Maryland, but there are many cars there because it is also a road, making it difficult to run on.
It is important to be aware of the fact that the parts of Beach Drive available to run on are only closed to vehicular traffic on weekends, so make sure to figure out if that part is closed before running. However, on weekends, this is an amazing place to run.
It has long, winding flat roads with plenty of people who are also running, amping up motivation. This makes it the perfect place to beat some personal records on a nice day. It also links up with Rock Creek Trail at its northernmost point in D.C.
Beach Drive starts where the Rock Creek feeds into the Potomac River and continues north from there. It passes through many locations where runners can finish their run and enjoy a bite to eat or see some of the D.C. landmarks. Beach Drive runs the length of the National Zoo, and many people stop their runs to watch the animals.
