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Mount Vernon Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 337 Google reviews · Running trail in Alexandria, Virginia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mount Vernon Trail'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.
Nature-filled paved trail connecting DC and Mount Vernon.
What runners say about Mount Vernon Trail
“Well kept paved trail that stretches 20 miles with scenic atmosphere and plenty activities.”
“Alexandria got rid of all the old run down buildings and created a beautiful park and living area along with extending the bike path.”
“Great for biking/running/walking without worrying about cars and navigation.”
Great paved trail between DC and Mt Vernon. Parked at Jomes point rode to Mt. Vernon and back. Gets twisty and fun in some areas. Alternates from woods to Great views of the river. More hills than advertised gets hillier the closer you get to Mt. Vernon. Great ride.
A great bike ride for most of this trail’s length. Some challenging sections with blind corners and tough hills. But would go again!
My hike covered parts of miles 1 and 2 of the 14 mile, Mount Vernon Trail, within the George Washington Memorial Parkway. If you're starting at Mount Vernon, the mile one trail runs into Riverside Park. Continue on pass mile two marker, you will observe signs for larger, Fort Hunt Park.
It was an honor to walk this beautiful trail two days while on my trip. The trail had great signage even though it was my 1st time I was able to go through the trail and know my way back without getting lost. There are many tight spaces between walkers and bike riders, so be careful for that.
Trail conditions & character
“Alexandria got rid of all the old run down buildings and created a beautiful park and living area along with extending the bike path.”
“Most of the trail is paved which makes the trail ideal for those with any type of a handicap.”
“More hills than advertised gets hillier the closer you get to Mt.”
“Parking is only for 3 hours (non paid), so it almost makes you feel rushed to get your run or walk or bike in quickly.”
“There's plenty of benches to rest along the trail with a bathroom around the middle of the loop.”
Plan your run at Mount Vernon Trail
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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(703) 289-2500
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 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.
Jones Point Park
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Belle Haven Park, Virginia
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Riverside park with shaded nature trails, a small boardwalk & places to rent kayaks & canoes.
Founders Park
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Relaxed park along the Potomac River and near the Old Town waterfront.
Oronoco Bay Park
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Scenic city park featuring walkways and grassy areas for picnics, plus wildlife.
Tide Lock Park
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Tranquil waterside spot with views and a pathway popular with walkers and runners.
