Northern Virginia
Washington & Old Dominion Trail
- Distance
- 45mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,573ft
- Hiking time (estimate)
- Your call
Easy
- Paved
Why go45 continuous paved miles.
Piedmont · 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.
- Trails
- 3
- Climb range
- 200–1,573 ft
- Distance range
- 4.7–45 mi
- Shaded · firm
- 33% · 67%
3 trails in Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia
Mount Vernon Trail
- Distance
- 18mi
- Elevation gain
- 535ft
- Hiking time (estimate)
- Your call
Easy
- Paved
- Riverside
Why goPotomac and monument views.
Northern Virginia
Burke Lake Loop
- Distance
- 4.7mi
- Elevation gain
- 200ft
- Hiking time (estimate)
- ~1h55
EasyNo line on file
- Crushed stone
- Shaded
Why goConsistent 4.7-mile loop.
Seasons here
Usable year-round. Summer afternoons are hot and crowded; winter ice lingers on shaded paved sections after storms.
General seasonal character, not a live report.
Terrain band
Piedmont
Rolling foothills between the fall line and the mountains. Long rail-trails, river parks, and lake loops with modest gain.
Compare bandsTowns and access
- Arlington
- Alexandria
- Falls Church
- Reston
- Leesburg
- Fairfax
Nearby regions