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Mount Vernon Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 10 Google reviews · Running trail in Arlington, Virginia · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface: Paved
Distance: Not reported
Shape: Not reported
Shade: Not reported
Access: Open 24 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.

Mount Vernon Trail — running trail in Arlington, VA, photo 1

Mount Vernon Trail — running trail in Arlington, VA, photo 2

Mount Vernon Trail — running trail in Arlington, VA, photo 3

Mount Vernon Trail — running trail in Arlington, VA, photo 4

Mount Vernon Trail — running trail in Arlington, VA, photo 5

PavedOpen 24hStroller / ADARestroomsWaterTrailhead parking

What runners say about Mount Vernon Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (10 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Der Trail ist ein vornehmlich von Sportlern genutzter Geh- und Radweg am Westufer des Potomac-River. Der Weg wirkt zwar angesichts der starken Nutzung zumindest am Spätnachmittag recht schmal, mit ein wenig gegenseitiger Rücksichtnahme ist das aber kein Problem.

★★★★☆ — Alessandro , Oct 2024

Very cool trail with lots of cool sights to see. Be mindful of the bikes that fly by as you walk, stay to the outside for your safety.

★★★★★ — Kimberly , May 2026

Very nice trail close to DCA. After a 20 min walk along the local highway one can see a big panorama of DC and watch the planes land. Quite noisy, though, as expected near the airport.

★★★★☆ — Valeriya , Jul 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 10 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.

 🛣️ Paved surface  
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 🚻 Restrooms  
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 🚰 Water fountains  
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 🅿️ Trailhead parking  
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 ♿ Stroller / ADA accessible  
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Plan your run at Mount Vernon Trail

The practical stuff

AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
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	Open 24 hours
Tuesday	Open 24 hours
Wednesday	Open 24 hours
Thursday	Open 24 hours
Friday	Open 24 hours
Saturday	Open 24 hours
Sunday	Open 24 hours

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 Mount Vernon Trail

1601 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202

Get directions

Running trails near Arlington

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

Four Mile Run Wetlands Trail

4.3 ★★★★☆ 11 reviews

Alexandria, VA

1.3 miles away

East Potomac Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 5,082 reviews

Washington, DC

Scenic

Storied, 395-acre park with a golf course, fishing & picnic areas, plus tennis courts & ball fields.

1.6 miles away

Monticello Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 65 reviews

Alexandria, VA

ShadedDog-friendly

Wooded, creek-filled, compact park, popular with dog-walkers and bird-watchers.

2.0 miles away

W&OD Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 297 reviews

Arlington, VA

45 miPavedShadedScenic

The 45-mile-long W & OD running, biking & skating trail runs from Shirlington to Purcellville.

2.2 miles away

Roosevelt lsland Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,222 reviews

Washington, DC

LoopMixedShadedScenic

This island boasting miles of wooded trails is a living memorial to President Theodore Roosevelt.

2.8 miles away

Tide Lock Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 156 reviews

Alexandria, VA

ScenicDog-friendly

Tranquil waterside spot with views and a pathway popular with walkers and runners.

3.0 miles away

All running trails in Arlington, VA →

Nearby towns

Running trails in Bailey's Crossroads, VA (1 trail)
Running trails in Alexandria, VA (20 trails)
Running trails in Lincolnia, VA (1 trail)
Running trails in Washington, DC (23 trails)
Running trails in Falls Church, VA (11 trails)
Running trails in Annandale, VA (1 trail)
Running trails in Bethesda, MD (1 trail)
Running trails in Pimmit, VA (1 trail)

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.