The Dumbarton Oaks-Georgetown Loop takes you up Rock Creek and back through one of the most beautiful parts of DC - Dumbarton Oaks and Upper Georgetown. Dumbarton Oaks is 19th century mansion that enjoys ten acres of outdoor gardens and rolling lawns. The run finishes along 31st Street Georgetown, a road lined with some of the beautiful homes for which Georgetown is so renowned.

Be advised: The part of the the run approaching Dumbarton Oaks is along a secluded trail. Though this is a very safe part of the DC, runners should exercise common sense. The approach to Dumbarton includes a steep grade of 150 yards, prior to reaching the tennis courts. If you can run this, you are a hill beast.


 Directions

1)    Begin at the 3300 Block of M Street NW proceeding east

2)    Cross Wisconsin Avenue

3)     Branch right onto Pennsylvania Avenue (The Four Season Hotel is on your right)

4)    Turn right on exit ramp for Rock Creek Parkway. This is just beyond the Four Seasons Hotel

5)    Turn left on Rock Creek bike path, heading north

6)    Continue on Bike Path past the P and Q street bridges.

7)    After passing under the Q Street Bridge, you will cross a bridge the east side of Rock Creek. At this point the bike path will be located between the creek and the parkway.

8)    In another half mile, the trail will again cross Rock Creek.

9)    Immediately after bridge, take a sharp left on the (unmarked) Whitehaven Trail. Do not go up steep hill. If you encounter a stop sign and Calvert Street, you have gone too far.

10)   Continue on trail south as it runs parallel to Rock Creek. Soon after passing under Massachusetts Avenue, it will curves uphill and to the right.

11)    Within a quarter mile after passing under Massachusetts Ave., you will encounter an unmarked dirt lane. This is Lovers Lane, and the entrance to Dumbarton Oaks. Turn left on Lovers Lane and ascend steep hill.

12)    Proceed a quarter mile to end of Lovers Lane.

13)    Turn right on R Street.

14)    Take first left onto 31st Street.

15)    Run down 31st Street to M Street. This has a narrow sidewalk so be careful!

16)    Turn right on M Street. Proceed back to start of run.

Georgetown has numerous places to quench your thirst and sate your appetite.

Last updated: September 14, 1999. WRC Home