On August 12, 2020, The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ (COG) Board of Directors unanimously endorsed the National Capital Trail Network—a concept for a 1,400-mile, continuous network of off-street trails. COG is an independent, nonprofit association, with a membership of 300 elected officials from 24 local governments; the Maryland and Virginia state legislatures; and U.S. Congress. COG staff, in partnership with area officials, are “working to advance the ‘Region Forward Vision,’ which maps out ambitious goals and targets for a more prosperous, accessible, livable and sustainable future.”

The 18.5 mile Mount Vernon Trail is part of the Capital Trail Network. The Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail are a member of the Capital Trails Coalition, a collaboration of public and private organizations, agencies and citizen volunteers working to advance completion of an interconnected network of multi-use trails for metropolitan Washington, D.C. Adoption of the Capital Trail Network by COG is a major step in ensuring support for planning and funding for the network.

Additional information is available in the press release from Rails to Trails Conservancy which is a founding member of the CTC along with the Washington Area Bicyclists Association https://www.railstotrails.org/resource-library/resources/washington-council-of-governments-formally-endorses-national-capital-trail-network-another-major-step-forward-for-regional-trails-walking-and-biking/