While Virginia boasts some of the best trails in the country, with the Appalachian Mountains stretching for hundreds of miles throughout the state, sometimes it’s better to get some lighter exercise in while taking in some spectacular views. The Mount Vernon Trail is a multi-use, paved bike trail in Virginia that takes you from George Washington’s Mount Vernon to the scenic Theodore Roosevelt Island and links Fairfax County and the City of Alexandria to Arlington County into Washington, D.C. It takes you through some of the best sights and nature that the area has to offer, and is perfect for families, casual adventurers, and those looking to get their daily exercise in.
Where This Trail Is and What Makes It Unique
As one of the best scenic bike trails in Virginia, the Mount Vernon Trail connects Gateway Park in Rosslyn with the Mount Vernon estate in Northern Virginia. It even crosses over the George Washington Memorial Parkway, weaving along park sites, yacht clubs, wetlands, neighborhoods, and more. The trail is at the entrance to George Washington’s Mount Vernon and US-29 & Lynn St at the northwest corner of Gateway Park in Rosslyn.
The bike trail spans 18 miles and is even accessible from nearby Metro stops such as Rosslyn, Arlington Cemetery, and Crystal City. Trail goers can even park along the route in places like Gravelly Point in Arlington, Belle Haven Park in Alexandria, and George Washington Memorial Parkway and River Farm Drive in Fort Hunt.
What You’ll See Along the Way
The Mount Vernon Trail presents the best of the D.C. metropolitan’s sites. As you run, cycle, or walk along this bike trail, you’ll see the gentle flow of the Potomac River and catch uninterrupted views of Washington, D.C.’s historic skyline, including that of the Kennedy Center as well as the Washington and Lincoln Memorials.
A few miles south of Rosslyn is Gravelly Point, a recreational park space where you can casually watch the planes take off and land at the nearby Reagan National Airport. Venturing past the airport, the Mount Vernon Trail passes through Daingerfield Island, which offers stunning views of the Potomac River with sailboats dotting the water from the Washington Sailing Marina. Take a break and set up a picnic or try your luck at some fishing for a laid-back outdoor trail experience in Virginia.
Other notable spots along the trail include the historic war batteries that were constructed to defend the Potomac River during the Spanish-American War that were once a part of Mount Vernon, and are now located in Fort Hunt Park. One of my favorite parts of the Mount Vernon Trail is visiting the wooded wetlands and swampy bottomlands of Theodore Roosevelt Island. This is the perfect place to grab some binoculars for a bird-watching session, particularly during key migration times.
Tips for Visiting This Bike Trail in Virginia
While I recommend visiting the Mount Vernon Trail during any season, the late spring and early fall are ideal times of the year for biking and walking, as you’re likely to experience comfortable temperatures. The trail is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. After work hours, the trail becomes increasingly more crowded, which can cause some congestion at certain points. Therefore, visiting in the early morning can be your best bet, or you can catch the sunset reflecting on the Potomac River in the early evening.
If you’re choosing to embark on a biking adventure, ensure that you’re wearing the proper footgear and bring along some water for replenishment on your ride. For those evening bike rides or strolls, it’s helpful to have a headlamp or bike lights to improve visibility on dark stretches of the trail.
Experience one of the best scenic bike trails in Virginia with a visit to the Mount Vernon Trail, to see the highlights of Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. in one go. Of course, for more water-themed adventures, check out these waterfalls in Virginia that offer a refreshing chance to cool off and encourage adventure all summer long…