As an Arlington commuter, I only do this when I’m going to Bethesda and want to avoid the “south on canal and back again” concept. If I’m heading to the city, I just take the canal down to Fletcher’s and get the CCT there.
There is also a rough trail connection between the towpath and CCT at the CCT bridge over the canal. You can take this if you want to avoid the gravel on the towpath between that bridge and Fletcher’s.
There is also a rough trail connection between the towpath and CCT at the CCT bridge over the canal. You can take this if you want to avoid the gravel on the towpath between that bridge and Fletcher’s.
I do this though you need to be wearing mtb shoes or something with a tread since the trail is short but steep.