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DC • MD • VA trail landscape

Find Your Connection

DC • MD • VA

3 jurisdictions • 200+ trail miles • Pentagon to Pennsylvania

3

Jurisdictions

200+

Trail Miles

0

Partner Trails

1

National Memorial

From the Pentagon to the Keystone State

The DMV section begins at the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Virginia—the site where American Airlines Flight 77 struck on September 11, 2001. From this solemn starting point, the trail heads north through the nation's capital and into Maryland.

This section features some of the finest trail infrastructure in the country, including the Mount Vernon Trail, C&O Canal Towpath, and Baltimore's urban greenways. The route connects the Pentagon to Delaware through historic landscapes and vibrant communities.

Trail Map

The DMV section connects the Pentagon Memorial to Delaware through DC, Maryland suburbs, Baltimore, and Maryland's Eastern Shore.

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Bridge Safety Advisory

Location: Thomas Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40)

The Thomas Hatem Memorial Bridge connecting Havre de Grace to Perryville has narrow shoulders and heavy traffic. Cyclists may want to consider the MARC train as an alternative crossing. Check current conditions before attempting.

Trail Segments

1

Pentagon Memorial

Arlington, VA

Begin your journey at the Pentagon Memorial, honoring the 184 people who lost their lives when Flight 77 struck the Pentagon.

Key Highlights

  • Pentagon Memorial (open 24/7)
  • Arlington National Cemetery nearby
  • Memorial benches for each life lost
Memorial site
Memorial grounds
2

Mount Vernon Trail

Arlington to Alexandria

This paved trail runs along the Potomac River, offering stunning views of DC monuments and connecting to multiple bridge crossings.

Key Highlights

  • Potomac River views
  • Views of DC monuments
  • Connection to DC via bridges
Approximately 18 miles
Paved multi-use trail
3

National Mall Route

Washington, DC

Cross into DC via the Arlington Memorial Bridge or 14th Street Bridge. The route passes by the National Mall's monuments before connecting to Rock Creek Trail.

Key Highlights

  • Lincoln Memorial
  • Washington Monument views
  • National Mall pathway
Approximately 5 miles
Urban paths and streets
4

Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

Southeast DC to Maryland

This developing trail system along the Anacostia River provides an alternative route into Maryland.

Key Highlights

  • Anacostia River views
  • Urban nature preserves
  • Connecting communities
Approximately 12 miles
Paved waterfront trail
5

C&O Canal Towpath

Georgetown to Cumberland

The historic C&O Canal towpath provides 184.5 miles of car-free trail from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland. The 9/11 Trail uses a portion of this iconic route.

Key Highlights

  • Historic canal locks
  • Great Falls National Park
  • Harpers Ferry access
Variable (up to 184.5 miles)
Crushed stone towpath
6

Baltimore Corridor

Baltimore City & County

Multiple trail systems connect through Baltimore, including the Jones Falls Trail and Gwynns Falls Trail.

Key Highlights

  • Jones Falls Trail
  • Inner Harbor area
  • Baltimore & Annapolis Trail connection
Approximately 25 miles
Mixed paved trails
7

Annapolis Connection

Anne Arundel County

The Baltimore & Annapolis Trail provides access to Maryland's capital city.

Key Highlights

  • Historic Annapolis
  • US Naval Academy vicinity
  • Chesapeake Bay views
Approximately 13 miles
Paved rail-trail
8

Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail

Baltimore County to PA Border

This northern route option follows the former Northern Central Railway toward Pennsylvania.

Key Highlights

  • Rural Maryland scenery
  • Historic train stations
  • Connection to York Heritage Rail Trail
Approximately 20 miles
Crushed stone rail-trail
9

Susquehanna River Crossing

Havre de Grace, MD

The eastern route crosses the Susquehanna River at Havre de Grace, continuing to Delaware via US Route 40 corridor.

Key Highlights

  • Susquehanna River views
  • Historic Havre de Grace
  • Concord Point Lighthouse
Approximately 10 miles
Mixed roads and paths

Memorial Sites in DC • MD • VA

Pentagon Memorial

Arlington, VAThe national memorial honoring the 184 lives lost at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Each person is represented by an illuminated memorial bench.

Hours: Open 24/7, 365 days a year

Admission: Free

  • 184 memorial benches
  • Age lines representing birth years
  • Illuminated at night
  • Reflection pool
Plan Your Visit →

Begin at the Pentagon Memorial

Whether you ride the entire DC • MD • VA section or explore a single segment, every mile honors the heroes of 9/11.