Biking

Georgetown is the only place in Washington, DC where you can bike, run, or walk along a Canal. If we’re giving out exercise-backdrop superlatives, it’s got “Most Photogenic” in the bag.

Mile Marker Zero

Georgetown’s cyclist-friendly neighborhood is where some of the regions’ best trails coverage – from Rock Creek Park Trail, to the Capital Crescent Trail and the C&O Canal Towpath. The latter is a total of 184.5 miles - beginning at Mile Marker Zero in Georgetown, and ending in Cumberland, Md.

Whether you’re biking the entire length, connecting from another trail, or taking a short afternoon ride, Mile Marker Zero is worth documenting. The path to get there is a little tricky once the towpath crosses the Canal in Georgetown, so we’re here to help you get there in one of two ways.  

Canal Route 

• Cross the Canal at the 33rd St bridge (ramped on both sides) and continue along the towpath through Georgetown.  

• Where the towpath intersects with Rock Creek Park trail, turn right and look for signs for Thompson's Boat Center.  

• Turn into the entrance to Thompson's and continue past the parking area to the river.  

• Turn left past the boat house to find the tide lock and Zero Mile Marker.

Waterfront Park Route 

• From the corner of Potomac and Grace Streets, continue on Grace Street.  

• At the end of the street turn left onto Wisconsin Avenue (there is a 2-way protected bike lane on the south side of the street).  

• At 30th Street turn right, continue past the Swedish embassy and follow the path to the left.  

• Continue past the boat house to find the tide lock and Zero Mile Marker. 

Bike Parking & Repair

Nearly 50 public bike racks are located through the commercial district. Visit Georgetown’s bike parking map to find the nearest one along the towpath, and trade in four wheels for two as you explore Georgetown by foot.

If you’re in need of a tune-up, a bike fixit repair station is located south of the canal, at the corner of 34th Street and Water Street (across from Georgetown Waterfront Park). The station offers an air pump and a set of retractable tools.