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Virginia Trailfinder

Region

Northern Virginia

The densest paved-trail network in the state, plus Potomac river corridors and suburban lake loops.

Northern Virginia's rail-trails and river paths carry more foot traffic than anywhere else in Virginia. The W&OD and Mount Vernon Trail form the backbone; Burke Lake, Lake Accotink, and the region's stream valley parks fill in shorter loops. Everything here is well signed and close to transit, which makes it the easiest region to run without a car.

3 routes in Northern Virginia

Washington & Old Dominion Trail — Paved coastal greenway path running between marsh grasses in golden evening light

Running

Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Arlington to Purcellville · Northern Virginia

A 45-mile paved rail-trail from Shirlington to Purcellville — Northern Virginia's main artery.

Distance
45 mi
Elevation gain
900 ft
Route type
Point to point
Difficulty
Easy

Surface: Paved, Gravel

  • 45 continuous paved miles
  • Mile markers throughout
Verified August 1, 2026
Mount Vernon Trail — Paved coastal greenway path running between marsh grasses in golden evening light

Running

Mount Vernon Trail

Arlington to Mount Vernon · Northern Virginia

Eighteen paved miles along the Potomac from Theodore Roosevelt Island to Mount Vernon.

Distance
18 mi
Elevation gain
700 ft
Route type
Point to point
Difficulty
Easy

Surface: Paved, Boardwalk

  • Potomac and monument views
  • Old Town Alexandria at the midpoint
Verified August 1, 2026
Burke Lake Loop — Dirt hiking trail through green Virginia forest beside a small waterfall

Running

Burke Lake Loop

Fairfax Station · Northern Virginia

A shaded 4.7-mile gravel loop around a Fairfax County lake — reliable, safe, and family-ready.

Distance
4.7 mi
Elevation gain
200 ft
Route type
Loop
Difficulty
Easy

Surface: Gravel, Crushed stone

  • Consistent 4.7-mile loop
  • Shaded gravel surface
Verified August 1, 2026