The best cycling routes around Arlington

Arlington offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 20 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to various preferences, ranging from easy, flat rides to more challenging paths with moderate elevation changes.

Arlington is recognized as a Gold-Level Bicycle-Friendly Community, boasting an extensive network of over 75 miles of multi-use trails and 80 miles of paved trails. These well-maintained paths connect urban areas with natural spaces, offering diverse scenery from riverfronts to urban forests, making it ideal for touring cyclists of all levels.

The touring cycling routes in Arlington cater to a range of abilities. Most routes are classified as easy, with 17 easy, 5 moderate, and 1 difficult route available on komoot. Trails like the Mount Vernon Trail and sections of the W&OD Trail are generally flat, while the Custis Trail offers more challenging hilly sections.

Yes, Arlington is home to segments of longer trails. The River Legacy Trail East – Trail along river Legacy loop from Arlington Lakeside is a moderate 30-mile route. Additionally, the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail spans 45 miles from Arlington to Purcellville, offering a significant long-distance option for touring cyclists.

For scenic rides, the Mount Vernon Trail offers panoramic views of the Washington, D.C. skyline along the Potomac River. The Arlington Loop, which combines several trails including the Mount Vernon and W&OD, provides a comprehensive tour with views of urban forests and diverse neighborhoods. The River Legacy Trail East – Lake Viridian loop from Euless also provides scenic views along the river and around Lake Viridian.

Absolutely. You can cycle to Lake Viridian and Cattail Pond. The Gulf Branch Nature Center & Park offers wooded trails and exhibits, while Bon Air Park features a beautiful rose garden. Gravelly Point Park, accessible from the Arlington Loop, is a unique spot to watch planes take off and land near the Potomac River.

Yes, Arlington features several excellent loop routes. The well-known Arlington Loop is a 16.5-mile circuit combining multiple trails. On komoot, you can find routes like the Workman Park to Fish Creek Linear Park loop and the Fish Creek Linear Park – Fish Creek Trail loop from Stovall Park, which are popular choices for circular rides.

Many of Arlington's touring cycling routes are very family-friendly. Trails like the Mount Vernon Trail and much of the W&OD Trail are mostly flat and paved, offering a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages. These trails often wind through parks and residential greenspaces, providing pleasant environments for family outings.

Generally, dogs are permitted on most multi-use trails in Arlington, provided they are kept on a leash. It's always a good idea to check specific park or trail regulations before you go, but many of the paved and unpaved trails are suitable for cycling with a leashed canine companion.

Arlington's extensive trail network is well-integrated with its urban environment, making many trailheads accessible via public transport. Several Metro stations are located near key trails, such as the Custis Trail near Rosslyn and Ballston, and the Four Mile Run Trail which connects to various neighborhoods. Buses also serve many areas close to trail access points.

Parking is available at various points along Arlington's major trails. For instance, there are parking lots near access points for the W&OD Trail, Mount Vernon Trail, and Four Mile Run Trail. Many local parks, such as Bluemont Park or Bon Air Park, also offer parking facilities that provide direct access to the trail network.

The touring cycling routes in Arlington are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 60 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's extensive and well-maintained trail network, the beautiful Potomac River views, and the seamless connection between natural spaces and urban amenities.