Where to go on Beach Drive for kid to bike

[Anonymous]

Hi there - not sure if this is the right forum, but I live in upper NW and next weekend really want to take my 7 year old out to practice his bike riding. He's been practicing in empty parking lots and such and has mastered basic riding and braking, so I think he's ready for a longer ride. I think the closed parts of beach drive would be perfect, but I am not sure where to park and how to get to the trail (the map on the NPS website doesn't show lots and entrances). Can anyone recommend a good parking lot/stretch of trail for us? Preferably one where the road is in generally good shape, as I'll be inline skating next to him.

[Anonymous]

There is a parking lot right where Broad Branch joins Beach Drive and north of that intersection is where Beach Drive is closed weekends.

[Anonymous]

The area in Bethesda/Kensington is great. The whole road on Beach between Connecticut Ave and Knowles Ave (right above the beltway) is closed from Sat morning - Sunday evening. It is a very flat stretch of road.

You can park in the Parkwood neighborhood or at the Ken-gar park: https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/ken-gar-palisades-park/

https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/beach-drive/

[Anonymous]

Search for “picnic area 2 west” where Broad Branch and Beach Drive intersect. There’s a parking lot and the closed section starts across the street.

[Anonymous]

Near cedar road in Bethesda up to Knowles in Kensington is great.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thank you all so much! I wish NPS had a better map showing this info!