The best running trails around Arlington

Arlington offers a wide selection of over 20 running routes, catering to various preferences and fitness levels. These include everything from easy jogs to more moderate running challenges.

Jogging in Arlington provides a diverse experience, featuring extensive greenway trails, scenic riverfront paths along the Potomac, and routes through rolling hills and stream valleys. You'll find opportunities to run through forests, alongside streams, and past urban green spaces.

Yes, Arlington has options suitable for beginners. While many routes are moderate, you can find easier sections within the extensive trail system. For example, the Potomac Yard Trail offers a relatively flat and easy option for shorter runs.

The running routes in Arlington are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 70 reviews. Runners often praise the varied terrain, the extensive network of trails, and the beautiful natural scenery, especially along the Potomac River.

Many of Arlington's trails can be combined to form circular routes. For instance, the Mystic Lakes Trail loop from Arlington is a popular 7.5-mile circular route with a moderate elevation gain. Another favorite is the Spy Pond – Alewife Brook Greenway loop from Arlington, which is a 4.9-mile moderate path.

The Mount Vernon Trail, an 18-mile paved path along the Potomac River, offers stunning views of the D.C. skyline and national monuments. You can also find interesting spots like Spy Pond or North Reservoir along some of the local loops. Minuteman Bikeway is also a notable path in the wider area.

Arlington is generally dog-friendly, with many trails allowing leashed dogs. The Four Mile Run Trail and the Mount Vernon Trail are popular choices for runners with canine companions. Always check local regulations for specific park areas or trails.

For more ambitious runners, the Arlington Loop combines several major trails like the Custis Trail, W&OD Trail, Four Mile Run Trail, and Mount Vernon Trail into a comprehensive 17-mile tour. The W&OD Trail itself spans 45 miles through Northern Virginia, offering extensive long-distance running opportunities.

Many of Arlington's paved trails are suitable for families, especially those with strollers or younger children. Trails like sections of the Four Mile Run Trail or the Potomac Yard Trail offer relatively flat and accessible surfaces for a pleasant family outing.

Parking is available at various access points along Arlington's extensive trail system. For instance, the W&OD Trail has multiple parking lots along its route. Many local parks, such as Glencarlyn Park or Long Bridge Park, also offer parking facilities that provide access to nearby trails.

Yes, many of Arlington's trails are accessible via public transport. The Mount Vernon Trail, for example, can be reached from various points near Metro stations. The Four Mile Run Trail also has good accessibility, connecting to different parts of the city where public transport options are available.

Absolutely. The Mystic Lakes Trail loop from Arlington is a prime example, offering beautiful views of the Mystic Lakes. Other routes, like the Spy Pond loop from Arlington, also feature scenic water views.

Arlington's natural topography includes rolling hills and stream valleys, so elevation profiles vary. Trails like the Custis Trail are known for their rolling hills and gradual climbs, while the W&OD Trail, built on an old railroad line, is generally smoother with fewer dramatic inclines. The Mystic Lakes Trail loop, for instance, has an elevation gain of nearly 100 meters.