Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park

Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park. Commonly known as the W&OD Trail, it is a 45-mile-long paved rail trail in Northern Virginia. The park follows the historic route of the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad, which operated for over a century. Managed by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, it serves as a major recreational and commuter corridor through Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and the independent city of Alexandria.

History

The park's history is intrinsically linked to the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad, whose origins date to the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad chartered in 1847. After financial struggles and several reorganizations, including a period as the Washington and Western Railroad, the line was completed to Bluemont by 1874. The railroad played a crucial role in transporting agricultural goods, particularly milk from Loudoun County dairies, to markets in Washington, D.C.. Competition from the automobile and trucking industries led to declining fortunes, with passenger service ending in 1951 and final freight operations ceasing in 1968. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority acquired the right-of-way in 1978, transforming it into one of the region's most significant linear parks. Historical markers along the route detail this legacy, including the role of the Great Falls and Old Dominion Railroad, a connecting line.

Route and trail description

The trail begins at its eastern terminus in Shirlington within the city of Alexandria, near the intersection of Interstate 395 and Four Mile Run. It proceeds west through dense suburban communities, passing through Arlington County and the towns of Falls Church and Vienna. The route continues through Fairfax County, passing Reston and Herndon, before entering Loudoun County. It traverses the towns of Sterling, Ashburn, and Leesburg, culminating at its western terminus in Purcellville. The paved trail is primarily flat, following the railroad's gentle grade, and is used for cycling, inline skating, walking, and running. A parallel gravel bridle path exists for portions of its length.

Park features and amenities

The park provides numerous amenities for users, including mile markers, benches, and interpretive signs detailing the railroad history. Major trailheads with parking are located in Purcellville, Leesburg, Ashburn, Herndon, Vienna, and Falls Church. Restroom facilities are available at several points. The trail passes by or connects to other community assets such as the Smithsonian Institution's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport, several Fairfax County Park Authority sites, and the trail-adjacent Depot Park in Herndon. Public art installations and shaded rest areas are found along the corridor.

Connection to other trails

The trail is a vital link in the regional trail network. Its eastern terminus connects directly to the Four Mile Run Trail, which leads to the Mount Vernon Trail and the Potomac River. In Arlington, it intersects the Custis Trail, providing a continuous route to the Capital Crescent Trail and Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C.. Key western connections include the Loudoun County-managed Old Ox Road Trail and the Belmont Ridge Road Trail. These integrations facilitate long-distance non-motorized travel across the Washington metropolitan area.

Management and access

The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority holds primary responsibility for the park's maintenance, regulation, and improvement. Usage is governed by a set of trail rules designed for multi-use safety, including speed limits for cyclists and yielding protocols. The trail is open from dawn to dusk, with no permit required for general public access. Funding for capital projects often involves partnerships with local jurisdictions like Fairfax County and the Virginia Department of Transportation. Volunteer groups, such as the Friends of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, assist with advocacy and minor maintenance activities.

Category:Parks in Virginia Category:Protected areas of Fairfax County, Virginia Category:Protected areas of Loudoun County, Virginia Category:Trails in Virginia Category:Rail trails in the United States