Washington, DC: Glover-Archbold Park Loop
Need an after-work escape? Minutes from the capital are 5.7 miles of tranquil trails along the Potomac River and C&O Canal.
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Mapped by Fletcher Caldwell
Trail Facts
- Distance: 8.6
Waypoints
GLA001
Location: 38.922534942627, -77.0806579589844
Head S on 41st St. In 100 yds., turn R onto Beecher St. for 100 yds., then L onto 42nd St. for 100 ft. to trail on R
GLA002
Location: 38.9213409423828, -77.081901550293
Follow trail as it winds SW. In .1 mi., stay R @ Y
GLA003
Location: 38.9200592041016, -77.0839233398438
Turn R @ T onto Glover-Archbold Trail that runs N into the park
GLA004
Location: 38.9238891601562, -77.0829620361328
L @ 4-way onto Wesley Heights Trail. Ahead, cross two streams in .2 mi.
GLA005
Location: 38.9256210327148, -77.0862426757812
Cross 44th St. to wooded park on opposite side; continue W
GLA006
Location: 38.9261512756348, -77.0888671875
Stay straight, heading W. In 100 yds., carefully cross busy Foxhall Rd.
GLA007
Location: 38.9257392883301, -77.0943298339844
Walk across 49th St. into Battery Kemble Park; reconnect with path, then turn L @ T; meander SW toward C&O Canal
GLA008
Location: 38.9216995239258, -77.0987319946289
Maneuver across MacArthur Blvd.; pick up trail on L side of old schoolhouse
GLA009
Location: 38.9196701049805, -77.1007080078125
Descend to tunnel under Canal Rd. In 100 ft., pass Fletcher’s Boathouse, cross over C&O Canal, and go L onto dirt towpath
GLA010
Location: 38.9119567871094, -77.0966186523438
Continue SE between C&O Canal and Potomac River
GLA011
Location: 38.9056205749512, -77.0777587890625
Turn R, descend stairs; take quick L after exiting tunnel. In .1 mi., pass under old streetcar trestle
GLA012
Location: 38.9114189147949, -77.0800933837891
Traverse open park. In 200 yds., cross busy street, bear L, enter park
GLA013
Location: 38.9154205322266, -77.0820770263672
Head N to complete loop @ WPT 3; retrace steps to stop. Last bus @ 7 p.m.