The Washington, D.C.-to-Silver Spring Capital Crescent Trail has received national recognition by Momentum magazine, which just placed it atop its list of 10 Amazing Urban Cycling Trails for Exploring Cities. Starting in Georgetown, the trail winds through Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Lyttonsville before terminating in Silver Spring. The CCT beat out trails in much larger metropolises such as San Francisco and Chicago for the top spot. Momentum correctly noted that the trail route follows the Georgetown Branch of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, however, trains continued traveling its rails even after the B&O was absorbed by CSX, which ultimately abandoned the line in the 1980s.
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Thursday, March 12, 2026
Capital Crescent Trail tops list of best urban cycling trails in America
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10 comments:
They didn't see the Little Falls Parkway crossing clearly.
It is amazing cycling. Before I became brittle, I would do the Beach Drive Capital Crescent loop. Miles of car-less road. If i got tired I'd cheat and take metro back.
Heckuva job, Brownie!
#1 Most crowded. Most inconsiderate. Most newbies. Most clueless.
Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!
What about the Pinkard Group filing paperwork to destroy the ambience of the corner of Elm & 355 where Panera & Medical offices are located? It's just never ending. How likely is this going to happen?
Momentum Magazine!!??
Are you serious?
This is BIG TIME, Baby!
I am sure this will be full of flippant complaints and moans.. but as someone that cycles that route every day - its wonderful. Very safe, lots of space.. I love it.
“The Capital Crescent Trail offers an 11-mile scenic route that connects the bustling Georgetown neighborhood in Washington, D.C., to Silver Spring, Maryland. Built on a former railroad corridor, this popular rail-to-trail path is perfect for cyclists, walkers, and joggers. The trail winds through vibrant neighborhoods, serene parklands, and along the Potomac River, offering a mix of urban and natural beauty. Cyclists can enjoy safe passage through tunnels and over bridges…”
This information is 8 years out of date. The section between Bethesda and Silver Spring, including the large viaduct over Rock Creek, closed for construction of the Purple Line in 2017. The tunnel under Wisconsin Avenue closed permanently. And the trail east of there was not paved and was called the “Georgetown Branch Interim Trail”, not the Capital Crescent Trail.
@ 6:08 PM: You mean Willow Avenue, not Elm Street. But thanks for the heads-up.
Interesting that the developments from the 1980s, when the Metro station opened, are being replaced one by one.
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