When torrential rains swept through the Washington, DC region on July 31, 2025, the Union Arch Trail near Cabin John Creek suffered significant damage. The intense runoff washed away a portion of the trail, exposing the Potomac Interceptor a critical sewer pipeline and leaving part of the path unstable and unsafe for public use.

The National Park Service (NPS) temporarily closed this section of the trail, severing a vital connection from MacArthur Blvd in the Cabin John and Glen Echo communities to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath. Without access to the trail, hikers, runners, and cyclists were forced to use the nearest access points more than a mile away in each direction.

The damage was daunting: large amounts of debris, sediment, tree limbs, and other materials piled in the creek, and the sewer line’s infrastructure exposed. The clean-up and assessment quickly got underway. DC Water and its contractors worked with NPS to clear sediment and fallen limbs, stabilize the slope, and rebuild the washed-out section to meet safety and accessibility standards while protecting the underlying interceptor.

Given the importance of the Union Arch Trail to the local community and park visitors, restoring and reopening the trail required a swift and collaborative effort. The 184.5-mile towpath stretches from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland, and is a popular recreational route used by millions of visitors each year. The Union Arch Trail serves as a gateway for many thousands in the community who use the trail.

Crews mobilized quickly to remove debris, stabilize the affected area, and assess any potential impacts to nearby infrastructure. Construction teams then got to work restoring the trail—rebuilding the washed-out section, careful not to damage the large underlying pipe.

The collaboration between NPS, DC Water, and the contractors emphasized safety, environmental sensitivity, and efficiency throughout the process. The effort required constant coordination to stabilize the slopes, being mindful of the environmental sensitivity and strict safety and accessibility standards, all while working against time and the potential for another storm.

In just seven weeks, the Union Arch Trail was fully restored and reopened to the public on September 22, 2025, returning a critical link and reaffirming the power of partnership.

This successful restoration is a testament to resilience and collaboration and highlights DC Water’s commitment to reliability, responsiveness, and regional partnership. Visitors can once again enjoy the scenic route to the C & O Canal Towpath.

The repair effort ensured that critical public infrastructure was protected, and a beloved trail reopened for the communities that depend on it—even in the face of severe weather events.