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Key Bridge Boathouse – Potomac River loop from Woodley Park
39.2km
02:29
140m
140m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 1, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan mountain biking around North Brentwood, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. It's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's exactly why we're here. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these trails, giving you a curated shortlist of the best mountain bike trails North Brentwood has to offer, saving you the guesswork.
Mountain biking around North Brentwood is defined by its riverine paths and urban green spaces, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and city access. While many trails directly adjacent to North Brentwood are paved and multi-use, the broader Prince George's County area, accessible from here, opens up more diverse and challenging mountain biking experiences. You'll find everything from easy urban loops to more demanding moderate routes through woodlands and along waterways. Expect varied terrain, from smooth paths to sections with roots and climbs.
If you only do one ride, we'd point you to the Fishing Shore Beach – Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail loop from Dupont Circle. At 19.2 miles (30.9 km), it's a moderate ride that offers a fantastic scenic journey along the historic canal. For a slightly easier, yet equally rewarding experience, the Gravelly Point Park – Tidal Basin loop from Metro Center is a great choice, covering 20.9 miles (33.7 km) through urban parks and past iconic landmarks. With more than 40 mountain bikers having already explored the area with komoot, you're in good company.
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Bridge Boathouse – Potomac River loop from Woodley Park | 39.2 km | 140 m | Moderate |
| Gravelly Point Park – Tidal Basin loop from Metro Center | 33.8 km | 170 m | Easy |
| Washington Monument – Tidal Basin loop from Foggy Bottom–GWU | 49.6 km | 230 m | Moderate |
| Rock Creek Park – Rock Creek Trail loop from Silver Spring | 34.5 km | 200 m | Easy |
| Fort Dupont Park – Marvin Gaye Park loop from Stadium–Armory | 26.1 km | 280 m | Moderate |
39.2km
02:29
140m
140m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
33.8km
01:52
170m
170m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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49.6km
02:40
230m
230m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route

34.5km
01:55
200m
200m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
26.1km
02:02
280m
280m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
View route
Also very nice in the evening.
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Truly impressive and worth seeing
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Hello
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Although it is free, you need to reserve tickets online to be able to visit, due to a high demand. You will need several hours for the museum.
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The National Mall is a wonderful place in Washington. Naturally, it is very popular.
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Remains of the former harbor / waterfront of Washington
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Kingman Lake spans 110 acres, situated within the Anacostia River. It was formed in 1920 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers used dredged materials from the river to create Kingman Island. This construction significantly altered the river’s flow west of the island, leading to the lake’s formation. To maintain water levels and prevent stagnation, a controlled amount of water continues to flow in, ensuring this beautiful lake remains fresh.
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Mountain biking around North Brentwood primarily involves exploring riverine paths, urban green spaces, and connecting to the extensive Anacostia Tributary Trail System. This network offers a mix of paved trails along the Anacostia River and broader bike trails across Prince George's County and parts of DC. You'll find options ranging from easy urban loops to moderate longer distances, allowing you to enjoy the natural features associated with the river and its surrounding environment.
Yes, there are easy trails available. For instance, the Franklin Park – Planet Word Museum loop from Metro Center is an easy 34.4 km path that navigates through urban parks and past cultural landmarks. Another easy option is the Rock Creek Park – Rock Creek Trail loop from Silver Spring, covering 34.5 km.
For those seeking longer or more moderate rides, the Tidal Basin Bridge – Lincoln Memorial loop from Forest Glen is a substantial 59.6 km trail leading through iconic Washington D.C. landmarks and along the Potomac River. Another moderate option is the Mountainbike loop from Foggy Bottom–GWU, which covers 50.4 km.
Many routes in the area are designed as loops, offering a convenient way to explore. The Fishing Shore Beach – Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail loop from Dupont Circle is a popular 30.9 km route that follows the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. You can also try the Franklin Park – Planet Word Museum loop from Metro Center or the Rock Creek Park – Rock Creek Trail loop from Silver Spring for other circular options.
The trails often run alongside the Anacostia River and connect to various green spaces. You can encounter natural monuments like Rock Creek Park and the Rock Creek itself. Some routes also pass by significant bodies of water such as the Capitol Reflecting Pool and the Tidal Basin.
Yes, several routes offer a blend of outdoor activity and cultural exploration. For example, the Franklin Park – Planet Word Museum loop from Metro Center takes you past cultural landmarks. The Tidal Basin Bridge – Lincoln Memorial loop from Forest Glen leads through iconic Washington D.C. landmarks, including the World War II Memorial.
More than 40 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain around North Brentwood. The routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Riders often appreciate the accessibility to urban green spaces and the connection to the broader trail network.
Given North Brentwood's proximity to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, many trailheads are accessible via public transport, particularly the Metro system. Routes like the Franklin Park – Planet Word Museum loop from Metro Center are designed to start from Metro-accessible locations, making it convenient to reach the trails without a car.
Yes, some routes incorporate interesting structures. For instance, you might encounter the Boulder Bridge within Rock Creek Park, which is part of the broader trail system accessible from North Brentwood.
The trails around North Brentwood, being part of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System, are generally enjoyable in spring and fall when temperatures are milder. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can bring colder temperatures, though paved sections may still be rideable. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Beyond the Anacostia River, you can find other water bodies nearby. Lake Artemesia and Buddy Attick Lake Park are additional lakes in the vicinity that offer scenic views and recreational opportunities.


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