How long is the W&OD bike trail?
45 mile
About: This 45 mile long paved trail runs from Shirlington, VA to Purcellville, VA. Once a railroad line, the Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) now provides a safe place for people to walk, skate, and bike. Equestrians can also enjoy the 32 mile gravel trail adjacent to the main W&OD trail.
Can you walk on the W&OD trail?
The W&OD Trail runs 45 miles from Shirlington to Purcellville. There are numerous access points with parking, or users can simply walk on or off at a point of their choosing.
Where does the W&OD trail go?
Stretching from the Potomac River, near Washington, D.C., to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the W&OD is a recreation corridor extending from Virginia’s suburbs of Arlington to Purcellville in western Loudoun County. The W&OD Trail takes its name from the railroad whose trains ran along the right-of-way from 1859 until 1968.
Where does the W&OD start?
The W&OD Trail begins in the Nauck neighborhood near the Shirlington section of Arlington County, close to the boundary between the County and the City of Alexandria. The trail ends in Purcellville in western Loudoun County. Its route largely parallels the routes of the Potomac River and Virginia State Route 7 (VA 7).
Are dogs allowed on W&OD trail?
Pets must be kept on a leash and under control at all times. Please place all trash in receptacles. The trail is open from 5:00am to 9:00pm from Shirlington in Arlington County, all the way to the western town limit of Herndon in Fairfax County. In other areas, the trail is only open during daylight hours.
How long is Washington and Old Dominion trail?
45-mile
The Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) is a 45-mile trail that stretches from Arlington County, all the way through Fairfax County, and into Loudoun County, ending in the town of Purcellville.
When was the W&OD trail built?
1974
The first segment of the W&OD Trail was opened in 1974 within the City of Falls Church. This portion was built as the result of a special agreement with VEPCO under which the Regional Park Authority was allowed to judge whether a trail of this sort would prove to be popular.
Why is the W and OD trail important?
In fact, the W&OD serves as an important spine in the Capital Trails Coalition’s developing 800-mile network of multiuse trails in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region. The pathway is also an inductee in the national Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. The W&OD Railroad was built on the eve of the Civil War in 1858.
Is W&OD trail Safe?
The W&OD Trail is a shared-use linear park. Trail users are often unaware of the unique safety concerns of horseback riders on the W&OD. Although horses remain on the bridle path that parallels the paved trail most of the time, they do have to cross the paved trail or merge with bike traffic at times.
Can you roller skate on the W&OD trail?
One of the newest trail pursuits on the W&OD is inline skating, or rollerblading. The largely flat trail is well-suited to inline skating. Skaters are reminded to wear helmets and other padding for safety.
How old is the W&OD trail?
The first segment of the W&OD Trail was opened in 1974 within the City of Falls Church. This portion was built as the result of a special agreement with VEPCO under which the Regional Park Authority was allowed to judge whether a trail of this sort would prove to be popular.
Are electric bikes allowed in W&OD trail?
Arlington cyclists can now ride e-bikes on NOVA Parks trails, including the popular W&OD Trail, thanks to a new change in the rules.