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Mount Vernon Trail Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 60 Google reviews · Running trail in Alexandria, Virginia · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Mount Vernon Trail 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.
Long trail for biking and jogging through the woods, offering views of the Potomac River.
What runners say about Mount Vernon Trail Trailhead
“The trail is well maintained and covers beautiful Potomac shoreline all the way into DC.”
The trail is more for biking than for walking since it’s pretty long. However, there are quite a bit of ups and downs, so it could be a bit more tiring than other biking trails. The view over the Potomac River from the trail is spectacular.
Great place to park and start some of the hilliest part of the trail! The trail is well maintained and covers beautiful Potomac shoreline all the way into DC.
Just knocked out 18.64 miles for Norwegian Ruck March this morning! Nice trails, some flat, some hills and some rolling! Highly recommend for runners!
Amazing trail under the tree canopy right by the Potomac River. It's curvy with lots of ups and downs. It could be very slippery on damp days. Especially the wooden bridges! It may not even be suitable for beginners. However, it's great fun. Also, be prepared to search for restrooms as they are not readly available!
Trail conditions & character
“One of the best spots in the DMV to connect with nature and take in the best views of the Region while burning calories.”
“Beware lots of tree root ruts under the pavement so definitely some surprising bumps.”
Plan your run at Mount Vernon Trail Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
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 |
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.
Fort Hunt Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 712 reviews
Land with war batteries once part of Mt. Vernon now used for picnicking, jogging, softball & more.
Huntley Meadows Park
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Park with forests & a historic house, home to wildlife & wetlands, plus an observation platform.
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 190 reviews
Park along the Potomac River with peaceful trails and bald eagles.
Chessie’s Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 54 reviews
Kid-friendly park featuring a playground and paved trail with animal sculptures and musical instruments for kids.
Belle Haven Park, Virginia
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,263 reviews
Riverside park with shaded nature trails, a small boardwalk & places to rent kayaks & canoes.