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The Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail is a 45-mile paved rail trail that runs through Northern Virginia, offering cyclists a smooth and well-maintained route with gentle grades and providing easy access to a large number of places. This page provides information about the W&OD trail, trail safety rules, and general guidance for cycling on the trail. We appreciate the efforts of cyclists to ride predictably and carefully, be considerate of other trail users, and maintain a safe environment for all.

The NOVA Parks page for the trail is located here: W&OD Trail

The Friends of the W&OD is a citizen-driven organization dedicated to protecting and improving the W&OD Trail. They support trail safety efforts, including the Trail Patrol, and provide lots of amenities on the trail. Their website is located here: W&OD Friends

About the W&OD Trail

W&OD Trail - Location and History

  • The W&OD Trail stretches 45 miles from Shirlington in Arlington County to Purcellville in Loudoun County.
  • It follows the path of the former Washington & Old Dominion Railroad, which operated from the mid-1800s until its closure in 1968.
  • The trail was converted into a multi-use recreational path in the 1970s and is now managed by the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.
  • Passing through urban, suburban, and rural landscapes, the trail connects Reston to other towns such as Vienna, Herndon, Ashburn, and Leesburg.
  • The W&OD Trail is considered one of the best rail trails in the U.S., attracting cyclists, runners, and walkers year-round.

    Location of Bathrooms and Water Fountains

    Every cyclist is familiar with the need for water and bathrooms while out on a long ride! Here are the locations of selected bathrooms and water fountains along the trail which we find especially convenient. Water fountains are typically winterized from the middle of November to late March. There are a number of local businesses, including Green Lizard Cycling, The Bike Lane, and Maverick Bikes, which also have water and bathrooms close to the trail. 

    • Mile 15: bathrooms on the north side of the trail just east of Hunter Mill Rd, water fountain on the south side ~0.4 mi west of Hunter Mill Rd
    • Mile 26: bathrooms and water fountain (which includes a bottle filler!) on the south side of the trail just west of Smith Switch Rd
    • Mile 29: bathroom on the south side of the trail just west of the underpass below Belmont Ridge Rd
    • Mile 34: bathroom (south side) and water fountain (north side) just west of Harrison St. SE 
    • Mile 42: bathrooms on the north side of the trail just west of Hamilton Station Rd 


    Trail Etiquette and Safety

    W&OD Trail Rules for Cyclists

    • No groups of larger than 24 riders are allowed on the trail.
    • Riders should separate into groups of 5 with at least 2 bike lengths between riders.
    • Pedestrians and equestrians have the right of way over cyclists.
    • Slow down around pedestrians, announce passes, and pass safely by moving to the left side of the trail when there is no oncoming traffic.


    How to be a Good Cyclist on the Trail

    • The W&OD trail is used by many including bikers, runners, and walkers. As the fastest trail users, we as cyclists have a high level of responsibility for making the trail a safe space for everyone.
    • W&OD “Golden Rule”: treat other W&OD users the way you want cars to treat us on open roads. We don't like cars passing at high speed/without giving plenty of space/when there is oncoming traffic, honking their horns at us, or yelling rude language at us. So don't do this to other W&OD trail users.
    • Move off the trail if you are stopping.
    • Do not "race" on the trail, ride predictably so other trail users can anticipate cyclists' behavior.
    • Do not draft off strangers unless given permission - let everyone have their own ride.
    • If you want to ride with earbuds, leave one ear open and keep the volume low so you can hear other trail users.


    E-bikes on the W&OD trail
    • E-bikes must have pedals for propulsion by a human rider. 
    • E-bikes must have a top powered speed of 20 mph or less. 
    • Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes meet the above criteria and are allowed, but Class 3 e-bikes do not and are prohibited.
    • Vehicles such as mopeds, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles are not e-bikes and are prohibited on the W&OD trail.

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    Reston Bicycle Club 

     P.O. Box 3389  Reston, VA

    20195-1389

    info@restonbikeclub.org

     

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