Are dogs allowed on Capital Crescent Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Capital Crescent Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Capital Crescent Trail?

No, Capital Crescent Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Capital Crescent Trail?

Capital Crescent Trail is rated expert. It is 14.0 miles long with 1,345 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Capital Crescent Trail?

Capital Crescent Trail is best hiked in spring and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

Is Capital Crescent Trail suitable for kids?

Capital Crescent Trail is not typically recommended for young children due to length, exposure, or technical terrain. Older kids with hiking experience may be fine — use your judgment based on your family's comfort level.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Maryland trail conditions

ExpertOut and Back

Maryland

Capital Crescent Trail

Bethesda, Maryland

14.0 mi

Distance

1,345 ft

Elev. Gain

4h 52m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

The Capital Crescent Trail is a 14-mile out-and-back trail located in Bethesda, near Washington D.C. It offers an extensive route primarily along a dirt surface, with an elevation gain of 1,345 feet over its course. The trail's starting and ending elevations are 101 meters and 3 meters, respectively, suggesting varied terrain that ascends and descends significantly. Notable for its proximity to urban areas, the trail provides a natural escape from the city environment.

From Wikipedia

The Capital Crescent Trail (CCT) is a 7.04-mile (11.33 km), shared-use rail trail that runs from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., to Bethesda, Maryland. An extension of the trail from Bethesda to Silver Spring along a route formerly known as the Georgetown Branch Trail is being built as part of the Purple Line light rail project.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

steep elevation gain

Elevation Profile

Min:3 ft

Max:101 ft

410 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Highlights

urban proximitynatural setting near city

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.