Running · Arlington to Purcellville, Virginia
Washington & Old Dominion Trail
A 45-mile paved rail-trail from Shirlington to Purcellville — Northern Virginia's main artery.
- Distance
- 45 mi
- Elevation gain
- 900 ft
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Typical time
- Not yet verified
About this route
The W&OD follows a former railroad grade from Arlington out through Falls Church, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Ashburn, and Leesburg to Purcellville. It is paved the whole way, with a parallel gravel bridle path on the western half.
Mile markers count from the eastern terminus, which makes it the easiest place in Virginia to run a precise long run. Expect heavy weekend bike traffic between Arlington and Reston; the western end is far quieter.
Why this difficulty rating: Rail-grade paving with very gradual elevation change across its full length.
Highlights
- 45 continuous paved miles
- Mile markers throughout
- Metro-accessible at several points
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, Gravel
- Setting
- Urban, Forest, 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, gently graded, and wheelchair accessible for essentially its entire length.
- 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
- Fast cyclist traffic
- Road crossings at grade in towns
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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
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Burke Lake Loop
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- 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