The southern end of the trail, where it passes under the Foundry Branch streetcar trestle near Foxhall Road, has been closed since 2016 because the deteriorating bridge is a hazard. A posted street detour via Foxhall, 45th Street NW and P Street NW links the open sections.
Expected reopening: No announced reopening date. The NPS signed an agreement in August 2026 that lets WMATA demolish the trestle, after which the trail is to reopen.
Confirm current status with Rock Creek Park, National Park Service (202-895-6000) before visiting.
NPS Rock Creek Park 'Trail Closure Detour' page; NPS news release of July 15, 2026; NPS planning project 'Demolition of Foundry Branch Trestle' (update of October 14, 2026)
Glover-Archbold Trail Hiking Guide
Glover-Archbold Park is a narrow, wooded stream valley that cuts through Northwest Washington from Van Ness Street nearly to the Potomac. A dirt foot trail runs its length beside Foundry Branch, and at the south end it connects toward the C&O Canal towpath. It feels far wilder than the neighborhoods around it, though streets cross it and the southern tip has been closed for years.
Distance
The Park Service describes a trail of nearly 2.5 miles from Van Ness Street NW to the Foundry Branch Park trail, which continues to the C&O Canal towpath. Hiking Project's route is 3.0 miles one way, starting near Canal Road and gaining 370 feet on the way to the Tenleytown end with only about 53 feet of descent; walk it southbound and those numbers reverse. Either way it is point to point, so plan a return by bus or Metro, or double back.
The Closed Southern Section
The trail used to pass beneath the Foundry Branch trestle, a streetcar bridge built in 1896 and now owned by WMATA. The Park Service fenced off the area in 2016 because the bridge is in extreme disrepair. Its posted detour from Georgetown climbs the sidewalk along Foxhall to 45th Street NW, turns right on P Street NW, then follows an alley to where the trail resumes behind the second house; southbound hikers follow the detour sign off the trail and reverse those steps. An agreement signed in 2026 clears the way for demolition and reopening, but no work date has been announced.
Trail Character
Every path in the park is rugged dirt meant for foot traffic, and bicycles are banned throughout. Several major streets slice across the park; in places a road ends at one edge and picks up at the other, with a footpath bridging the gap. Cross carefully at each one.
Getting There
There is no central lot. The park says parking is available on several surrounding streets with restrictions, so read the signs before leaving the car. Hiking Project notes that both ends are reachable by public transit and suggests the Tenleytown Metro station as an endpoint for walking just the north or south half.
Dogs and Park Rules
Glover-Archbold is managed by Rock Creek Park, so the same rules apply: dogs are welcome in every outdoor area as long as they stay leashed, and DC law forbids letting them run loose outside designated dog parks. Park land closes at sunset. The park's general hiking advice also applies here: stay on the trail to avoid poison ivy, snakes and ticks.
Hiking tips for Glover-Archbold Trail
- Read the detour route before you go; at the south end it uses sidewalks and an alley.
- Arrange a ride, bus or Metro trip for the return if you don't want to double back.
- Check parking signs carefully on the residential streets.
- Leave the bike at home; the park is open to foot traffic only.
- Cross the busy cross streets where drivers can see you coming.
Nearby trails to explore
- Theodore Roosevelt Island Swamp Trail
- Boulder Bridge Loop (Rock Creek Park)
- Western Ridge and Valley Trail Loop (Rock Creek Park)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Glover-Archbold is easier with a plan for both ends. Use TrailMates to find people for a one-way walk through the park, work out the Metro or car shuttle in the event's group chat, and meet at the start. TrailMates is on the App Store or Google Play.