Chain Bridge — Attraction in Washington

This unassuming local bridge has been transporting commuters between NoVa and DC for more than 80 years, and has been the site of a bridge crossing the majestic if difficult-to-build-a-bridge-over Potomac River. The bridge provides access from Glebe Road in Arlington and the aptly named Old Chain Bridge Road in McLean into DC's southbound Canal Road, and from Clara Barton Pkwy / Canal Rd into Virginia (please pay careful attention to arrows painted on the lanes & the signage for lane shifts on weekdays).

Coming from Maryland on Clara Barton, you can park at the last lot before the bridge, and access the C&O Towpath from the pedestrian ramp off the bridge (on a weekday, remember that when you leave you must obey the signage for lane direction restrictions at certain times). From here on the Towpath it is a straight shot to Georgetown, or a pleasant walk to the lockhouse at Lock 6, the pumping...

As a kayaker, you will appreciate the Chain Bridge for the perspective that an overview of the water below offers you. Little Falls rushing, just North....Some years, that tight sport, under the bridge, is navagable. Most years it's not because of the flow and that's why you're asked to not take the rental Kayaks North of this point. Some years theres been less water and it is currently running slow enough to easily get up to Fletchers Cove and even pass under the Chain Bridge. In an average year the flow is about 6.5 Billion gallons a day and that's how much will flow past your feet in a normal year with average rain. A slower flow now....Walk, roll or stoll just for a peek North from that place where the Potomac is directly underneath the Chain Bridge. Kayak put-in's not recommended here. The Chain Bridge walk-way....

This bridge has some nice views when you’re on foot, however it can be downright frightening too. I don’t know if it’s my Unease with heights or my Submechanophobia or what but I am never fully comfortable having my phone out when I am walking across this bridge. Im always afraid the wind is gonna hit wrong or a car or bike is gonna startle me or im gonna otherwise fumble it and lose my phone forever in the Potomac. Like this bridge is cool, well built, well maintained, Convenient, doesn’t bounce too much from traffic and like I said earlier has stunning views, well earning 5 stars, but it still...