Originally Posted by cc_rider

That sums it up. The trail is a little rough, especially around the zoo. Also narrow in places. Just need to watch out and keep your speed down.
As messy as it is, I prefer the trail to the parkway in that stretch (unless it's really early on a weekend morning). Road too narrow and traffic too fast.
When I don't feel like dealing with the lower RCT, I either ride up to 16th on Park (at Pierce Mill), or to Connecticut at either Shoreham or the zoo.
Once you get to Georgetown, the RCT continues straight along the river. After the trail takes a weird jog right, cross the road, go past the volley ball courts and under a couple of bridges. Switch to Ohio Drive on the other side of the Memorial Bridge. Takes you to HP.