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Holmes Run Trailhead

4.5 ★★★★★ 76 Google reviews · Running trail in Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Holmes Run Trailhead'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.

PavedScenicStroller / ADAHillyQuiet

Relaxed recreation ground featuring a hilly landscape, creek crossings and jogging trails.

What runners say about Holmes Run Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (76 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 3 mentions

“What impressed me the most is how clean the water is for being in the middle of Alexandria.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“Beautiful in the summer, and I love the stepping stones to cross over the streams, or you can splash your way across.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“It's easy to miss if you haven't been there before, but the secluded feeling makes the trail all the more peaceful.”

This is a great little trail. It's easy to miss if you haven't been there before, but the secluded feeling makes the trail all the more peaceful. On our Sunday hike we came across several runners, bikers, and fellow hikers (some with dogs), so it's far from deserted, but certainly not what I would call busy.

★★★★☆ — Adam , Aug 2018

Beautiful in the summer, and I love the stepping stones to cross over the streams, or you can splash your way across. Long trail that one can go on and on for.

★★★★★ — Nathan , Dec 2020

What can i say? This is an oasis in the city of Alexandria. I had no idea this was here until recently. What impressed me the most is how clean the water is for being in the middle of Alexandria. Other streams in the area are not nearly as pristine.

★★★★★ — Karina , Sep 2020

Awesome hiking spot with tons of great views. Lots of stream crossings, but there are raised platforms so you won't have to get wet.

★★★★★ — Justin , Jun 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 76 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 9 mentions

“Beautiful in the summer, and I love the stepping stones to cross over the streams, or you can splash your way across.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 6 mentions

“You can either walk through the running water (the crossings have a level concrete floor), or you can use concrete pilings which serve as stepping stones.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 3 mentions

“The bikers didn't seem to have any problems crossing, but it may be difficult with a stroller.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“It's easy to miss if you haven't been there before, but the secluded feeling makes the trail all the more peaceful.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

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Plan your run at Holmes Run Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • 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.
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.

Hours

Monday 7 AM–7 PM
Tuesday 7 AM–7 PM
Wednesday 7 AM–7 PM
Thursday 7 AM–7 PM
Friday 7 AM–7 PM
Saturday 7 AM–7 PM
Sunday 7 AM–7 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Holmes Run Trailhead

Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia

Get directions

Running trails near Bailey's Crossroads

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Dora Kelley Nature Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 561 reviews

Alexandria, VA

MixedScenic

Sizable park offering trails & a nature center with animals & environmental classes.

1.1 miles away

Holmes Run Scenic Easement

4.3 ★★★★☆ 66 reviews

Alexandria, VA

PavedScenic

Natural forested area with trails for hiking & biking, plus benches for resting.

1.5 miles away

Winkler Botanical Preserve

4.4 ★★★★☆ 302 reviews

Alexandria, VA

LoopPavedScenicDog-friendly

Secluded area featuring a variety of nature trails, a mountain lodge & waterfall flanked by woods.

1.5 miles away

Turkeycock Run Stream Valley Park

4.1 ★★★★☆ 38 reviews

Lincolnia, VA

2.1 miles away

Fort Ward Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 479 reviews

Alexandria, VA

LoopPavedScenicDog-friendly

Historic 43-acre park featuring a Civil War museum, dog exercise area, playground & amphitheater.

2.4 miles away

Bren Mar Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 170 reviews

Alexandria, VA

MixedShadedDog-friendly

This large, wooded park in a residential area features a playground, a picnic shelter & trails.

2.6 miles away

All running trails in Bailey's Crossroads, VA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.