The Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail, a volunteer organization, has spearheaded efforts since 1986 to develop this first-class hiker-biker trail.

The Trail is a rail-trail, being built upon the abandoned railbed of the 11 mile Georgetown Branch of the B&O Railroad. The Trail is now complete as a hard surface trail from Georgetown to Bethesda, and as a temporary gravel trail from Bethesda to Rosemary Hills, in west Silver Spring. Four bridges and two tunnels offer trail users gentle gradients and grade-separated roadway crossings.