The main feature of many running routes in Washington, D.C., is that they pass through historical buildings and local attractions. They also offer beautiful views that make training even more enjoyable. So whether you’re an out-of-towner or a local athlete, you should definitely plan to try one of the best running spots from our list below.
1. National Mall
The National Mall is a popular tourist destination and a truly iconic Washington DC running path. Its main 4.3-mile track runs between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. You can see local sights such as the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the White House, and the National Gallery of Art during your run.
Why is it so good?
- There are many drinking water fountains along the way, so you won’t have to carry a water bottle with you.
- If you google “running trails near me” for a night run, this is the place to go, as all the main trails and spots are well-lit.
- Much of the National Mall is car-free, making your workout safer.
- Despite the popularity among tourists, there are still running trails without crowds. They are located next to the Vietnam and Korean War memorials and near the Reflecting Pool.
2. East Potomac Park
Check out this park if you run through the National Mall and google “best running trails near me” to extend your workout. It’s been a favorite of runners since the 1900s!
You can make a 4.4-mile loop from Jefferson Memorial down to Haines Point and back. During your run, you have every chance to see planes taking off and landing at Reagan Airport.
Why is it attractive?
- You can see the stunning cherry blossoms in this park from the end of March to the middle of April.
- There are tennis courts, a golf course, and even fishing places, so you can spend a full active day here.
3. Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is 1,700 acres long and offers tracks of varying difficulty. For example, the 5-mile Western Ridge Trail is flatter and beginner-friendly, while the 5.4-mile Valley Trail, with its varying grades, is suitable for those looking for good places to run hills in DC.
Why is it terrific?
- The main 10-mile Rock Creek Trail takes you to Beach Drive. This 4-mile stretch is off-limits to cars on weekends and public holidays and can be a great way to extend your workout.
- The park is beautifully shaded by the foliage of trees, which will protect you from the heat on a hot summer day.
- If you build your running route in the park’s southern section (from Pierce Mill to Memorial Bridge), you’ll capture iconic sites like the National Zoo and the Kennedy Center.
4. C&O Canal
Whether you’re staying in Georgetown or running along Rock Creek Park, you can easily get to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Trail. This 184-mile trail to Cumberland, Maryland, will allow you to achieve even the most ambitious running goals. During your long run, you will also enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the channel, including herons and turtles.
Why else is it fantastic?
- Georgetown running trails allow you to build routes of different mileage. For example, the Georgetown Visitor Center to Lock 5 is 5 miles, the same starting point to Billy Goat Trail C is 10 miles, and to the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center is 15 miles.
5. Roosevelt Island
This 88.5-acre park is one of the most popular Washington DC runs because of the monument to the 26th president, the picturesque view of the river, and the wide selection of trails and available routes. So, for example, if you run from Georgetown to Roosevelt Island and cover the Mount Vernon Trail, your workout will be about 10 miles.
Why is it good?
- The running trails are mostly unpaved, which makes the surface comfortable for running on non-rainy days.
- Every Saturday at 9 am, you can participate in the Parkrun, a 5k race starting from the southwest of Theodore Roosevelt Memorial. All runners receive a score according to their gender and age, which allows their performance to be assessed.
6. National Arboretum
Located about 10 minutes from the U.S. Capitol Building, the 446-acre National Arboretum offers 10 miles of winding roads and trails. If you choose one of the running paths in Washington DC, you should know that the Arboretum is open to visitors from 8 am to 5 pm, so it is suitable primarily for your lunchtime or weekend runs.
Why is it cool?
- This is a great place to run without traffic and cars, which is convenient and safer for runners.
- There are many unique ornamental plants collected here. They can be easily inspected while jogging using the local interactive map.
7. Anacostia Riverwalk & Park
The following places have joined the list of running routes in DC recently but have already managed to win the hearts of athletes. And this is not surprising.
The Anacostia Riverwalk is a 20-mile trail on both sides of the Anacostia River, which is great for long runs. Meanwhile, in Anacostia Park, you can build a 5k or 10k route from Anacostia Drive to a dead end and back.
Why is it worth-to-run?
- You can see sights such as the baseball stadium and the Navy Yard during your training.
- Like Roosevelt Island, there is a weekly Parkrun on Saturdays at 9 am. This free 5k community event is not only run-friendly but also jogging and walking-friendly. So you can have a great time regardless of the chosen pace.
8. Glover Archbold Park
183-acre Glover Archbold Park extends from Van Ness Street NW to Canal Road NW. This green patch of forest will make you feel like you’ve left the bustle of the city, and the 2.5-mile trail that runs throughout the park is considered easy for runners of all levels.
Why is it great?
- Glover Park DC trails are for walkers and joggers only. No cyclists or motorized vehicles!
- You can take your dog for a run, but be sure to keep it on a leash.
- The plentiful shade will make your workout comfortable, even on a hot summer day.
9. Embassy Row
Embassy Row follows along Massachusetts Avenue, between Dupont Circle and the National Cathedral on Wisconsin Avenue. As the name suggests, you will find over 150 embassies here, along with stately historic homes.
Why is it so good?
- You can build your route and choose your mileage based on the key buildings here. For example, the path from Dupont Circle to the Phillips Collection is only 0.3 miles, and running from the same starting point to the British Embassy will cover 1.5 miles. If you go all the way to the National Cathedral, your workout will reach 2.3 miles.
- This track offers a steady incline of 377 feet, which is great for a hill training plan.
- The sidewalk here is pretty wide, so you don’t have to crowd with other runners or walkers.
As you can see, runners have no shortage of scenic spots in this city. If your favorite place is missing from our list of must-runs, tell us about it in the comments.
