I’ve always thought it was unfortunate that Google Maps only lets you map driving directions, so I was excited to hear they’ve added a greener option — walking directions.

Yesterday, I decided to try it out to, realizing it’s still in beta, but also realizing I live in a major metro area that would probably be developed.

My verdict: Meh. There are lots of diagonal streets in DC, and when you combine those with the one-way streets, driving from point A to point B can be a time-consuming challenge. The good news is you can avoid them when you’re walking. But Google Maps doesn’t seem to have realized that yet.

I tried directions in a few different parts of DC and was unimpressed when I was told more than once to go up a diagonal street that angled away from my final destination — even when there was another street that went straight there.

My favorite direction was this one: After telling me to head in the exact opposite direction of my destination, I was told to “Make a U-turn at 9th St NE.” I don’t know about you, but I don’t generally u-turn on foot. Though it does create an amusing mental picture.

I have high hopes for Google Maps walking directions, and I look forward to using it when I travel to new cities. But it’s just not quite there yet.

Have you tried it out? What did you think?