Mount Vernon Bicycle Path to Washington, DC with Fall Colors on the Potomac River

Jenny and I rode our bicycles together from our home near Mount Vernon Estate to downtown Alexandria, VA on a beutiful fall day in October 1999.  The weather was great and we got to see the historic Jones Point Lighthouse on the Potomac River which was practically underneath the Old Woodrow Wilson Bridge.  The Woodrow Wilson Bridge is a drawbridge that carries the I-95 and I-495 DC Beltway, which is currently undergoing rennovation and reconstruction to replace the old bridge with a modern new "artistic" bridge.  The new bridge is set to resemble winged birds landing on the water.

The bicycle patch along the Potomac River is about 12 miles from George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate to the Jefferson Memorial in DC.  I only rode the entire distance one time, but I used a portion of the path to practice for the October 2000 Marine Corps Marathon in DC.

  The path is patrolled and is in excellent shape with wooden bridges, rest stops, watering holes, restroom facilities, parks, picnic areas, and two well-marked wide lanes.  There are a few hills, but the terrain mainly follows the shoreline parallel to the Potomac River which is relatively flat.  There are serveral marsh, woods and woodland habitats along the way which are great for nature observations.  There is also the Cedar Knoll Inn which was owned by George Washington's family and many VERY expensive houses/properties along the shore.  You also have a great view of Fort Washington on the Maryland side and can visit the "sister fort,"  Fort Hunt which has a big open park area.