Foundry Branch Tunnel – Washington, D.C. - Atlas Obscura
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Foundry Branch Tunnel

Washington, D.C.

Once a sewer culvert, this road tunnel now offers cyclists and pedestrians a subterranean stroll under the C&O Canal. 

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Foundry Branch Tunnel blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)
Foundry Branch Tunnel blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)
Foundry Branch Tunnel blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)
Foundry Branch Tunnel blimpcaptain (Atlas Obscura User)
Nighttime in the Tunnel chrisdinardo (Atlas Obscura User)
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Once upon a time, this 252-foot-long tunnel provided an escape route for intrepid travelers on the south side of Canal Road looking to access the north side near the Foundry Branch Trolley Trestle, which once carried commuters from Georgetown through Dalecarlia and on to Glen Echo, once home to a popular amusement park.

Nowadays, the tunnel is a murky, poorly-lit passage that connects the Capital Crescent Trail and C&O Towpath to the northern side of Canal Road. It’s still a very useful thruway for pedestrians and cyclists who need a way to hop on or off the trail.

Know Before You Go

The tunnel is located at mile marker 1.5 on the Capital Crescent Trail, and on the north side, near the intersection of Canal Rd. and Foxhall Rd.

biking tunnels trails
Nearby
Ruins of the Columbian Cannon Foundry
0.04 miles
Foundry Branch Trolley Trestle Ruins
0.08 miles
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0.33 miles
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