Ross Drive, created by Bill Dunn, 1/28/2003

See larger version of course map.


From Iwo Jima (mileage is approximated)

0.0              Leave Iwo Jima towards Key Bridge

1.0              Once over Key Bridge take RIGHT onto M Street

1.4              Take a LEFT onto 31st Street (first left after Wisconsin

1.9              Take a RIGHT onto R Street

2.0              Take a quick LEFT onto Lover's Lane just past the wall with the ceremonial gates and at the white sign that says DUMBARTON OAKS PARK-- it is a paved road.

2.1              At the trailhead, take the trail on the RIGHT and then stay LEFT when it splits in about 50 yards (path is fairly wide with good footing, it will weave to the right, then to the left and end up parallel with Rock Creek)    

 

2.8        The trail will guide you right onto Rock Creek bike path just before the exercise   

            stations and right before Connecticut Avenue

 

5.2        Continue on bike path past Peirce Mill (a flour mill built in the 1820s by Isaac Peirce).  Bike path will dump out into a parking lot and will end at a stop sign.  Go across this street (Broad Branch Rd), onto the short bike path past the vehiclular gate and onto Beach Drive, which will be closed to motorized vehicles.

              (Note a great alternate route at this point on soft trails that parallels the portion of this SLR route on Beach Drive: once on Beach Drive, within 25 yards there is a trail on the left side. This trail is uphill for a short bit-- follow it straight over the hill and back downhill. Stay RIGHT at a fork in the trail after the downhill to stay along Rock Creek which will be on your right. Follow this beautiful trail all the way to the end a tenth of a mile from Ross Drive which will be on the left.)

 

6.9              Follow Beach Drive, pass the Park Police Ranger Station and take a left at the stop sign.  You will cross a small bridge and then take a LEFT onto Ross Drive (it is near picnic area 22 and just before Do Not Enter signs). Enjoy the great views along Ross Drive (arguably the most scenic road in DC!)

 

8.1              At the intersection take a LEFT onto an unmarked road (Ridge Road)

 

8.5              At the end (at the bottom of the hill), take a LEFT onto an unmarked road (Broad Branch Rd.).

 

8.6              Go 30 yards and take a QUICK RIGHT back into the small parking lot that ends up at Peirce Mill.  Pick up Rock Creek Trail (LEFT just before Peirce Mill) and retrace your steps.

 

11.0          Dumbarton Oaks Trail

 

11.8          Leave Dumbarton Oaks onto R Street and retrace (head down 31st and onto M Street.)

 

13.8     Arrive Iwo Jima