GWK (Glover-Wesley-Kemble) Shady Route
 

See larger version of GWK Route Map.

The "GWK" Shady route, named for 3 parks you pass through on trails (Glover-Archbold, Wesley Heights, and Battery Kemble). Lots of shade on these wooded trail sections. Take it easy on the trails, especially on creek bed crossings, also watch for tree roots or rocks. You may have to walk up or down on some of the steeper sections.
Water and restrooms available in the Palisades park (next to kids' baseball fields) and then again at Fletcher's Boathouse.

Mileage - Directions:

0.0	Head through Rosslyn, cross Key bridge, go down to the right to get on the C&O Canal Towpath heading West
1.75	Take Stairs down; go through creepy tunnel, curl up to the right, then right again to enter Glover Archbold Park. Take it slow and be careful with your footing on the trails
2.4	Continue on Glover Trails, crossing Reservoir Road NW and then back on Glover trail
3.2	At about 3.2 total miles in, watch for a sign on the left directing you to Battery Kemble Park. Take a left onto this side trail. Follow it as it crosses a small streambed, up some man-made stairs, and veers right. This will hit 44th Street NW. Cross the street, go a little to the right on this street, then go left to continue on trail
3.5	You are now in Wesley Heights Park. Stay on trail following signs to Battery Kemble Park. Careful as some sections are very steep (may need to walk). Later cross Foxhall Rd NW and get back on trail
3.8	Cross 49th St. NW, now entering Battery Kemble Park. After you cross a small footbridge, trail comes to a “T”, go left here. Eventually you will come out of Battery Kemble Park
4.25	Turn right onto MacArthur Blvd NW, then a left onto Chain Bridge Road NW (run toward the “No Outlet” sign)
4.5	Now go right onto the trail from an old Railroad trail-bed. In less than ¼ mile you will pass by the Palisades Recreation Center and Baseball field, several water fountains and indoor bathrooms are here
5.0	Take trail-bed until it ends at Galena Pl NW, go left on this street, up hill, then right on Potomac Ave NW. Great views up here!
5.75	Take Potomac Ave until it hits the water treatment plant, and take the trail cut through on Left to get down to the Capital Crescent Trail. Go left on Capital Crescent back towards DC (or opt for C&O Canal Towpath if you prefer trail)
7.5	Pass Fletcher’s Boat House, water fountain and restrooms located on either side of trail. Stay on the trail then start another loop through Glover Park to make it a 17.5 mile run (repeat directions at 1.75 mi), or head directly back for a 10.5 mile run
15.0	Stay on the trail, back to Georgetown, take Key bridge through Rosslyn
17.5	Finish back by Iwo Jima. Get a drink if thirsty - stand in the sun if tired of shade

Mileage Options: using these 2 options, you can make the run 13.5, 17.5, 20.5, 24.5…etc.

• Soon after you pass Fletchers boathouse you will pass the point at which you entered Glover Archbold Park earlier. This completes the loop of trails. Repeat the directions starting at Glover to add more loops on the trails – each loop is about 7 miles.
• To tack on ~3 miles, run though Georgetown waterfront, take Rock Creek park trail south toward Lincoln Memorial, and take Memorial Bridge back to Iwo Jima (“bridge-to-bridge” run).

(created June 2012, by Erik Price)