Trail Sections
Eastern Section (Shirlington to Vienna)
- Urban environment with gradual elevation decline
- Multiple parks and Metro access via East Falls Church
- Busy road crossings during rush hour
Central Section (Vienna to Sterling)
- Suburban setting with wooded areas
- Historic train depots and cabooses
- Popular stops for food and rest in Herndon and Reston
Western Section (Leesburg to Purcellville)
- Rural Virginia Piedmont with rolling hills
- Less crowded, pastoral landscape
- Historic towns with dining options
Infrastructure
- Paved main trail approximately 10 feet wide
- Parallel 32-mile crushed stone trail for horses and mountain bikes
- Regular access to water and restrooms
- Multiple parking areas along the route
- Mile markers every 0.5 mile
- Interpretive signs describing historical features
- Park headquarters and rest stop in Ashburn
Elevation and Difficulty
- Total elevation change: 469 ft (143 m)
- Highest point: Clarke's Gap at 610 ft (190 m)
- Lowest point: Shirlington at 141 ft (43 m)
- Generally considered easy difficulty
- Gradual elevation decline from west to east
Highlights and Must-See Attractions
- Historic train depots and cabooses in multiple towns
- Purcellville Train Depot with restaurants and bike shop
- Historic town of Leesburg with antique shops
- Trailside barbecue restaurant in Ashburn
- Herndon's visitor center in old train depot
- Multiple parks and picnic areas
- Virginia Piedmont landscapes and farmland
How to Access the Trail
The trail can be accessed from multiple parking locations including:
- Purcellville: 120 N 23rd St.
- Arlington: 4200 S Four Mile Run Dr.
Planning Tips
- Trail hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Shirlington to Herndon
- West of Herndon: Follow dusk mandates
- Suitable for year-round use
- Multiple access points allow for shorter segment rides
- Connect to other regional trails including the Bluemont Junction Trail
- Part of the Capital Trails Coalition network
- Maintained by NOVA Parks with help from Friends of the W&OD