Local Resources

Washington DC – monuments, museums, food trucks…OUTDOORS?  You bet!  Opportunities abound for outdoor recreation and exploration both in Washington DC and within and easy drive of Georgetown University.  Some of our favorites are highlighted below.

Please take some pointers from the National Park Service and Recreate Responsibly when you go:

• Know before you go.
• Keep it close.
• Keep your distance.
• Know your limits.
• Keep it with you.
• Keep it inclusive.

Walk/Bike from Campus

• Theodore Roosevelt Island – just across the Potomac via the Key Bridge.  Three different trails allow for easy exploration. 
• Glover Archbold Park (Rock Creek Park) – right next to campus (access next to Yates or on Reservoir Road) hiking and trail running!
• C&O Canal – 185 miles of fun!  The non-paved surface of this trail is great for walking, running, and biking.  Exit campus via the Canal Street exit, turn right and take the Foundry Branch tunnel under the road to reach the trail.
•  Capital Crescent Trail – paved trail that heads North towards Bethesda.  Great for running and biking.   Exit campus via the Canal Street exit, turn right and take the Foundry Branch tunnel under the road to reach the trail.   
• Fletcher’s Cove – great picnic location, follow the C&O or Capital Crescent roughly 2 miles North from campus.
• Potomac Heritage Trail – hiking trail along the Potomac River.  Start at Roosevelt Island, head North to the American Legion Bridge (view of Little Falls).
• Dumbarton Oaks – amazing landscapes close to campus.  Start from Lovers’ Lane off of R Street. 
• Paddling on the Potomac @ Boating DC – closest location to campus to rent kayaks and SUP. 

Slightly farther but still close to Campus

• Great Falls – MD/VA
• Carderock
• National Arboretum
• Audubon Naturalist Society

Day Trip

• Shenandoah National Park
• Sky Meadow State Park
• Cunningham Falls State Park/Catoctin Mountain Park
• Blackwater National Wildlife Reserve