Tidal Basin Loop Trail
A level two-mile circuit around the Tidal Basin with memorials and water views along the route.
- Distance
- 2.0 mi · Loop
- Time
- 40 min
- Surface
- Concrete encircling walkway
- Grade / hills
- NPS calls the path level; numeric grade and cross-slope not published
Start
Tidal Basin path beside the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, near East Basin Drive SW
Directions
Route
- Begin on the Tidal Basin Loop Trail beside the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, near the accessible parking documented by NPS.
- Follow the concrete public walkway around the Tidal Basin, remaining on the encircling path where memorial approaches and other paths branch.
- Continue around the water until the loop returns to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial-side start.
Good to know
NPS calls the path level and wheelchair accessible, but does not publish numeric grade, cross-slope, width, curb-transition, or route-level crossing measurements, so Goalie does not turn that source statement into a universal suitability badge. The seawall and wider walkway were completed in December 2025; events, security perimeters, memorial work, crowd controls, and temporary road or pedestrian closures can still interrupt arrival or parts of the loop. Check current National Mall alerts before leaving.