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Mount Vernon District Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 104 Google reviews · Running trail in Alexandria, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mount Vernon District 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.
What runners say about Mount Vernon District Park
“This location has beautiful, fairly well-maintained wooded trails, but they are not well-marked and as far as I could tell, there are few if any posted maps.”
It’s one of best walking and cycling trail in the area! 1. Be about cyclists and pedestrians; 2. Nearby parking spot are busy in weekend; 3. The trail is a little bit slippery if wet
This location has beautiful, fairly well-maintained wooded trails, but they are not well-marked and as far as I could tell, there are few if any posted maps. There are some elevation shifts that would make it challenging for any but the most rugged of jogging strollers.
Wide, extensive historic grounds; highlight was the guided mansion tour, including a scenic view of the Potomac; no photographs allowed in the house; had to wait a while in line to get in on a rainy Saturday; there are scheduled events at the outdoor area on the Potomac end of the property (wine/dine evenings, etc.)
It's a decent little hike (although more mountain bike today). Still, if you want a little bit of nature and "mostly" fresh air it's worth a short trip. Just mind the bikers, dog walkers and occational jogger.
Trail conditions & character
“This location has beautiful, fairly well-maintained wooded trails, but they are not well-marked and as far as I could tell, there are few if any posted maps.”
“This location has beautiful, fairly well-maintained wooded trails, but they are not well-marked and as far as I could tell, there are few if any posted maps.”
“Just mind the bikers, dog walkers and occational jogger.”
“Put a public restroom out front and a water fountain and 5/5.”
“There are some elevation shifts that would make it challenging for any but the most rugged of jogging strollers.”
Plan your run at Mount Vernon District 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefairfaxcounty.gov
- Phone(703) 768-3224
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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 |
Running trails near Alexandria
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
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Mount Vernon Trail
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Huntley Meadows Park
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Jones Point Park
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Chessie’s Trail
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Kid-friendly park featuring a playground and paved trail with animal sculptures and musical instruments for kids.