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W&OD TRAIL
The W&OD Trail: A Guide to Hiking in Northern Virginia
The W&OD Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the region. It follows the old railroad that connected the northern reaches of the state with the rest of the world. Today, the trail connects towns and natural areas not just in Northern Virginia, but in Maryland and West Virginia as well. With so many trails in the region, how do you choose which one to hike? The W&OD Trail is a great place to start. It offers a wide variety of hikes so you can find something that matches your fitness level and interests. Plus, the trail has plenty of nearby hotels and campgrounds. The following guide will help you discover the best trails in Northern Virginia, even if you’re not sure where to begin.
The Basics: What is the W&OD Trail?
The W&OD Trail is a 322-mile long rail trail that follows the old railroad that connected most of the northern part of the state with the rest of the country. It’s now a popular hiking and biking trail that serves as a great way to explore Northern Virginia. There are even a few rail-themed hotels that offer camping on the trail. Throughout the trail, you’ll pass through some of the most beautiful parts of Northern Virginia. The C&O Canal National Historic Park is home to some of the most scenic vistas in the region. Plus, there are plenty of nearby towns and natural areas to explore.
The W&OD Trail in Northern Virginia
If you live in Northern Virginia, you’re probably well aware of how close the trail is. It’s located in the state’s Northern Neck region, which is just a 30 minute drive from downtown Washington, D.C. With that in mind, the W&OD Trail really shines when you’re visiting the state from out-of-town. It’s the perfect way to explore the area while staying in close proximity to the trail. The W&OD Trail follows an old rail line that once connected the northern reaches of the state with the rest of the country. Today, it serves as a popular hiking trail that runs through beautiful areas of Northern Virginia.
The C&O Canal National Historic Park
The C&O Canal National Historic Park is located just south of Washington D.C. It’s home to the city’s canal system, which was built in the 1800s to connect the city with the surrounding areas. The canal system is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And, it’s also home to the W&OD Trail. The most popular section of the trail is the 1.5 mile long C&O Canal National Historic Park. Here, you’ll discover a network of canals that were built over 200 years ago. There are also several picnic areas along the canal system that make for great places to have lunch while you enjoy the views.
Mount Vernon Trail
If you’re looking to go beyond hiking along the W&OD Trail, you should consider exploring the area by bike. That’s where the Mount Vernon Trail comes in. It’s a 111-mile long rail-to-trail that follows the old railroad that once connected the city with the area near George Washington’s home. The trail begins in Alexandria, Virginia and ends near the George Washington Memorial Parkway near Mount Vernon. The trail is mostly flat, making it great for riders of all levels. Plus, the area is filled with historic sights and towns that help make it one of the most unique biking trails in the region.
Rockfish Gap Trail
Looking for an easy but scenic hike along the W&OD Trail? Then, the Rockfish Gap Trail might be for you. It’s a short trail that starts just outside of Manassas and follows the Blue Ridge Mountains all the way to the Shenandoah Valley. The trail is only 7.5 miles long, but it’s very easy to navigate. Plus, you’ll explore beautiful views of the mountains that surround the area. The trail is especially scenic near Rockfish Gap. This is where you’ll find the Blue Ridge Parkway, which makes it easy to explore the area further. If you’re looking for a relaxing hike that’s also close to the trail, the Rockfish Gap Trail is a great option. It’s only 7.5 miles long, but you’ll explore some of the most scenic parts of the Blue Ridge Mountains. What’s up next?
Jefferson Davis Memorial Highway Trail
The Jefferson Davis Memorial Highway Trail is one of the more popular trails on the W&OD Trail. It runs along a stretch of the Jefferson Davis Memorial Highway that connects the trail with the town of Varina. The trail is about 15 miles long and passes through several small towns along the way. You’ll also hike through the Piedmont area, which is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. The trail is also very accessible, making it great for visitors in wheelchairs. Plus, you’ll pass through some of the most beautiful parts of the state, including the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Towanda Trail
The Towanda Trail is one of the most scenic trails on the W&OD Trail. It’s a 16-mile long route that travels through the George Washington National Forest. The trail passes through some of the most beautiful parts of the state, like Shenandoah National Park and Massanutten Mountain. You’ll also pass through several small towns along the way, like Pearisburg and Mount Tremper. The trail is very accessible, which makes it great for visitors with disabilities. Plus, it’s also one of the most scenic trails you’ll find on the W&OD Trail. Get more information.
Route 7 to Great Falls Tavern Trail
The Route 7 to Great Falls Tavern Trail is another of the W&OD Trail’s most popular trails. It’s a 10-mile long route that follows a section of the George Washington National Forest that runs between Yorktown and Great Falls Tavern. The trail is one of the more accessible ones on the W&OD Trail. It’s also very easy to navigate, making it great for visitors in wheelchairs and with disabilities. Plus, this is the only trail on the W&OD Trail that offers access to Great Falls Tavern. It’s a small town with a gorgeous waterfall that you can visit while you’re on the trail.
Summation
When it comes to exploring Northern Virginia, there’s no better trail than the W&OD Trail. It runs through some of the most beautiful parts of the state, and it offers plenty of hiking options. Plus, the trail is very accessible and easy to navigate. If you’re visiting from out-of-town, you should plan your trip so that you can explore the area by bike or on foot. You won’t find a better place to explore Northern Virginia than the W&OD Trail.
If you’d like to learn more about Alexandria, click here to read about Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site.
VISIT US FROM W&OD Trail
Start: W&OD Trailhead
Washington and Old Dominion Trail, Arlington, VA 22206, United States
Take Shirlington Rd, Exit 5 and VA-7 E/King St to Menokin Dr in Alexandria
4 min (1.6 mi)
Head south on Shirlington Rd toward S Four Mile Run Dr
420 ft
Continue straight to stay on Shirlington Rd
0.2 mi
Keep right at the fork, follow signs for I-395 S/Richmond, and merge onto I-395 S
0.4 mi
Take exit 5 for VA-7/King St
0.3 mi
Keep left at the fork, follow signs for VA-7 E/King St E, and merge onto VA-7 E/King St
0.6 mi
Continue on Menokin Dr. Drive to W Braddock Rd
2 min (0.4 mi)
Turn right onto Menokin Dr
0.2 mi
Turn left onto N Early St
0.2 mi
Turn right at the 1st cross street onto W Braddock Rd
34 s (0.3 mi)
Turn right
 The destination will be on the left
35 s (207 ft)
End: Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
4301 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22304, United States
VISIT FORT WARD MUSEUM AND HISTORIC SITE
Start: W&OD Trailhead
Washington and Old Dominion Trail, Arlington, VA 22206, United States
Take Shirlington Rd, Exit 5 and VA-7 E/King St to Menokin Dr in Alexandria
4 min (1.6 mi)
Head south on Shirlington Rd toward S Four Mile Run Dr
420 ft
Continue straight to stay on Shirlington Rd
0.2 mi
Keep right at the fork, follow signs for I-395 S/Richmond, and merge onto I-395 S
0.4 mi
Take exit 5 for VA-7/King St
0.3 mi
Keep left at the fork, follow signs for VA-7 E/King St E, and merge onto VA-7 E/King St
0.6 mi
Continue on Menokin Dr. Drive to W Braddock Rd
2 min (0.4 mi)
Turn right onto Menokin Dr
0.2 mi
Turn left onto N Early St
0.2 mi
Turn right at the 1st cross street onto W Braddock Rd
34 s (0.3 mi)
Turn right
 The destination will be on the left
35 s (207 ft)
End: Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
4301 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22304, United States
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