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Founders Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,829 Google reviews · Running trail in Alexandria, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Founders Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Relaxed park along the Potomac River and near the Old Town waterfront.
What runners say about Founders Park
“Well kept park along the Potomac river with views of the water the perfect setting for an epic volleyball match luckily there is a court set up for that purpose.”
“Beautiful views all around and everyone from everywhere is always out here walking around in historic Alexandria.”
When I think about this park it amazed me because when I was a little boy it was amazing to see people enjoying their lives in themselves on days that they was off from work I just seen people get married here I'm at the love of my life here I also captured people walking their dogs here and they look very happy and…
If you are planning to visit Old Town in Alexandria, consider parking close to Founders Park and start your walk from there. As you stroll along the riverside, you can watch boats sail by. It is not uncommon to see street performance on the waterfront. There are tons of great restaurants and antique shops as well.
When the weather is nice, this is the place I want to be. Living in old town can be a bit noisy but this little park helps me enjoy a bit of nature and it's a quite a treat too!
A local park at the foot of Old Town overlooking the Potomac River. It is used by locals to dog walk, for selfies, and several benches line the waterfront to capture views of sail boats. You can also catch views of National Harbor Resort, in the distance. Street parking is free, limited to two hours.
Trail conditions & character
“Well kept park along the Potomac river with views of the water the perfect setting for an epic volleyball match luckily there is a court set up for that purpose.”
“It is used by locals to dog walk, for selfies, and several benches line the waterfront to capture views of sail boats.”
“If you are planning to visit Old Town in Alexandria, consider parking close to Founders Park and start your walk from there.”
Plan your run at Founders Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–10 PM |
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