more stats
1.1 miles
Distance
57 ft
Climb
-99 ft
Descent
00:09:02
Avg time
-44 ft
Altitude change
250 ft
Altitude min
294 ft
Altitude max
294 ft
Altitude start
249 ft
Altitude end
-0.7%
Grade
-12.7%
Grade max
8.2%
Grade min
1,860 ft
Distance climb
2,759 ft
Distance down
1,345 ft
Distance flat
00:09:02
Avg time

Cabin John Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Winter Fat Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Cabin John Park
    Bethesda, Maryland
  • Difficulty Rating
    Green Rate
  • Voted Difficulty
    Green (1 vote)
  • Local Popularity
    40 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 55 in Trail Running
    • 90 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #113445 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #98752 in Trail Running
    • #4084 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Mixed
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC, Fat
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Green
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • TTFs on Trail
    Bridge, Rock Garden

The Cabin John Trail runs along Cabin John Creek from Goya Dr. till the Potomac River. The north loop is flowy with few technical challenges. The rest of the trail is rocky and rooty on some of the descents and climbs, while other parts are flat, without and rocks or roots. Parts of the trail near the creek dry slowly, so expect some muddy areas. An excellent trail for beginners looking for a challenge. Proceed with caution at the numerous road crossings. However, it should be said that the parts of the trail along the road have a comfortably wide shoulder, and most of the roads are minor arteries.

Access Info

Parking exists at most road crossings

Trail Supporters
  • Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
    Builder
Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 1 rides
  • 2 miles average
6 Months
  • 6 rides
  • 6 miles avg distance
All
  • 106 rides
  • Last: Jun 17, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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Cabin John Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Aug 22, 2025 @ 2:13pm
Aug 22, 2025
 Large tree down across trail, blocking trail
Apr 23, 2025 @ 12:21pm
Apr 23, 2025
Jun 4, 2024 @ 11:48am
Jun 4, 2024
 Several large downed trees that are difficult to pass with a bike
Feb 5, 2024 @ 2:35am
Feb 5, 2024
Oct 8, 2022 @ 11:42am
Oct 8, 2022
 90% of the trail is fine, low spots that tend to hold water are wet, but other than that it is great.
more »
Status:
on Aug 22, 2025
Avg: 3.89 (4 votes)
Your vote: 0

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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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  • > 90%
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  • Downhill Primary
  • Both Directions
  • Uphill Primary
  • Uphill Only
  • One Direction
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  • Videos
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Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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        Directions to cabin-john trailhead (39.051430, -77.156590)

        Photos

        4 more »
        220 |
        Nov 29, 2016 @ 10:40am
        Nov 29, 2016
        281 |
        Dec 27, 2014 @ 8:00pm
        Dec 27, 2014
        22 |
        Apr 1, 2026 @ 10:30am
        Apr 1, 2026
        31 |
        Jun 4, 2024 @ 11:48am
        Jun 4, 2024

        Videos

        1 more »
        Cabin John Trail W/ Miller and Mike
        14:53 | 210 | Sep 6, 2016 , Bethesda

        Routes with this trail

        18
        Cabin John, Medium Route-Discover Montgomery Series
        ★ 5.0 • 6 miles • 431 ft • 6 • Loop •
        Discover Montgomery County ride series.

        2 Reviews & Comments


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        Nearby Trails

        Cabin John Park

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        Frequently Asked Questions About Cabin John

        ▼ Where is Cabin John located?
        Cabin John is located in Cabin John Park, Bethesda, Maryland, United States. It is part of the Cabin John Park trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 39.05143, -77.15659.
        ▼ How hard is Cabin John?
        Cabin John is rated as Green difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 0.7%. The climb difficulty is rated Green.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Cabin John?
        Cabin John has 57 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 99 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 250 ft to 294 ft.
        ▼ Is Cabin John a point to point trail?
        Cabin John is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is mixed.

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