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9/11 National Memorial Trail
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Trail Town

Washington, D.C.

District of Columbia County, DMV

Nation's Capital

About Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is home to 702,250 residents with over 5.6 million in the metropolitan area. As the seat of the federal government, Washington hosts the White House, Capitol, Supreme Court, and the iconic National Mall with world-class Smithsonian museums. The city's extensive network of trails along the Potomac River makes it exceptionally bike-friendly, serving as the central hub connecting the C&O Canal Trail, Mount Vernon Trail, Rock Creek Trail, and Anacostia Riverwalk Trail.

9/11 Connection

Washington, D.C. was a primary target on September 11, 2001, when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon in nearby Arlington County, killing 184 people. The nation's capital served as the command center for the immediate government response—grounding all civilian aircraft for the first time in history and implementing continuity of government protocols. From Washington, Congress passed the Authorization for Use of Military Force and created the Department of Homeland Security. The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, just across the Potomac River in Arlington, opened on September 11, 2008, featuring 184 illuminated benches honoring each life lost. Washington remains the symbolic heart of the nation's resolve and remembrance.

Trail Access

The 9/11 Memorial Trail runs through Washington via the 184-mile C&O Canal Trail from Cumberland, MD (arriving in Georgetown), then follows the Rock Creek Trail to cross Arlington Memorial Bridge to the Pentagon Memorial. Returning to D.C., the route uses Constitution Avenue and Madison Drive through the National Mall, then crosses the bike-friendly Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge to connect with the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail heading toward Maryland and eventually New York City.

Trail Services & Facilities

Bike Shops

Restrooms

  • National Mall (9 locations throughout)

    Business • Varies by location

  • Pentagon Memorial

    Business • 7AM-10PM daily

Water Sources

  • National Mall visitor centers

    Water fountains

  • C&O Canal Trail

    Seasonal fountains (late March - mid-November)

Food & Dining

Lodging

Visit WebsiteVisitor Center

More Towns in DC • MD • VA

Arlington

Arlington County

Pentagon Memorial

9/11 Connection

Baltimore

Baltimore City County

Inner Harbor

9/11 Connection

Annapolis

Anne Arundel County

State capital

Havre de Grace

Harford County

Susquehanna waterfront

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