Capital Crescent Trail, Rail trail in Montgomery County and Washington, D.C., United States

The Capital Crescent Trail is a shared-use rail trail that runs from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., to Bethesda, Maryland. It follows the former Georgetown Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, passing through neighborhoods, parks, and along the Potomac River.

The trail was built on the abandoned right-of-way of the Georgetown Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which was completed in 1910 and last used by trains in 1985. After the railroad abandoned the line, local governments and advocates worked to convert it into a trail, which opened in stages.

The trail is a popular community space where locals exercise and commute, and its name reflects its route between the capital and Bethesda. Along the way, users can see remnants of the railroad era, such as old bridges and tunnels.

The trail is open to walkers, joggers, bikers, and skaters, with a surface that varies from paved to crushed stone. It is best accessed from the trailhead in downtown Bethesda or from Georgetown, and users should be prepared for crowds on weekends.

The trail passes through the Dalecarlia Tunnel and over the Arizona Avenue Railway Bridge, offering views of the Dalecarlia Reservoir and the C&O Canal. It is one of the most heavily used rail trails in the United States, with more than 1 million users each year.