Running · Arlington to Mount Vernon, Virginia
Mount Vernon Trail
Eighteen paved miles along the Potomac from Theodore Roosevelt Island to Mount Vernon.
- Distance
- 18 mi
- Elevation gain
- 700 ft
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Typical time
- Not yet verified
About this route
Managed by the National Park Service, the Mount Vernon Trail runs beside the George Washington Memorial Parkway with airport, monument, and river views most of the way. Old Town Alexandria sits at the midpoint with restrooms, water, and coffee.
The northern half is flat and busy; the southern half beyond Alexandria rolls a little more and thins out. Boardwalk sections cross Dyke Marsh, one of the best birding spots in the region.
Why this difficulty rating: Paved with gentle rollers south of Alexandria.
Highlights
- Potomac and monument views
- Old Town Alexandria at the midpoint
- Dyke Marsh boardwalk
Map and trailheads
Approximate locations for orientation only. Carry an offline map — cell service is unreliable on much of this network.
Know before you go
- Route type
- Point to point
- Surfaces
- Paved, Boardwalk
- Setting
- River, Urban, Park
- Amenities
- Parking, Restrooms, Water, Free, Open year-round
- Parking
- Not yet verified
- Restrooms
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Not yet verified
- Fees
- Free.
- Permits
- Not yet verified
- Hours
- Not yet verified
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Accessibility
- Paved throughout; a few narrow and steeper pinch points near Roosevelt Island.
- Stroller friendly
- Yes
- Good with kids
- Yes
- Seasonal notes
- Not yet verified
- Weather exposure
- Not yet verified
- Cell service
- Not yet verified
- Emergency
- Not yet verified
Hazards and wildlife
- Heavy bicycle traffic
- Flooding on low-lying sections after storms
- Narrow bridges
Related routes
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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
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