As the summer months roll on, it’s a great time to step outside and take advantage of Arlington’s excellent natural and recreational spaces. For residents and commuters working in the County, there is a wide range of outdoor opportunities and resources that can easily fit into your schedule or enhance your commute. These include scenic trails ideal for both walking and biking, as well as peaceful parks perfect for relaxation and meditation. Arlington’s green spaces provide valuable opportunities to support both physical and mental wellbeing. Areas such as these can not only provide a break from the day-to-day routine, but also a chance to reconnect with nature, clear the mind, and return to the office feeling more focused and refreshed.
Below, I’ve highlighted some of my favorite trails and parks to explore this summer, ideal for a mental health break, adding to your commute, or simply making the most out of the warm and sunny weather on the weekend.
Mount Vernon Trail
The Mount Vernon Trail is a beautiful and scenic path that winds along the Arlington Potomac Waterfront, stretching from Rosslyn in the north all the way down to George Washington’s historic Mount Vernon estate. This well-maintained, paved path is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking and offers plenty of great picnic spots and opportunities to take in the DC skyline. For those who live and work in National Landing or Rosslyn, the Mount Vernon trail is a spectacular option for walkers and cyclists to include in their morning or evening commute. Additionally, for aviation enthusiasts, the Mount Vernon Trail also connects to Gravelly Point Park, which is a favorite spot to get an up-close view of planes taking off and landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport.
Washington and Old Dominion Trail
Sometimes referred to as the skinniest park in Virginia, the Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) is a 45-mile paved path perfect for walking, biking, and even horseback riding. Beginning in Shirlington, the trail follows the route of a historic railway all the way to Purcellville. Along the way, it winds through several charming towns and communities, including Falls Church, Reston, and Leesburg, which offer plenty of opportunities to stop for a snack or drink while enjoying the day outdoors. Residents and professionals in the area who are looking to explore parts of the trail during a break or include a section of it in their commute, the W&OD Trail offers something for everyone.
The Arlington Loop
In addition to being great ways to get outside in Arlington and explore its neighboring communities, the Mount Vernon and W&OD Trails also form key sections of one of the County’s most popular trail systems, the Arlington Loop. This 16-mile circuit connects portions of the Mount Vernon, W&OD, Custis, and Four Mile Run trails, creating a scenic route that winds through several of Arlington’s unique neighborhoods and urban villages. The trail is well-maintained year-round and offers useful amenities like restrooms and water fountains along the way. With convenient access points in Rosslyn, Crystal City, Shirlington, and Columbia Pike, the Arlington Loop is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while discovering the diversity of the community. In addition to these access points, the Arlington Loop can also be easily accessed by the Rosslyn, Arlington Cemetary, and Crystal City Metro stations. The Loop’s proximity to so many urban villages and Metro stations also makes it ideal to include sections into anyone’s walking or biking commute.
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Located on the Potomac River just outside of Arlington but easily accessible from Rosslyn via a footpath across the George Washington Memorial Parkway lies Theodore Roosevelt Island. This 88-acre island was dedicated as a National Park to honor the 26th President and his legacy as a passionate outdoorsman and conservationist. The island offers a peaceful escape into nature, with naturalistic forests, well-maintained trails, and elevated boardwalks that wind through marshland and wooded areas. At the heart of the island, visitors can explore the Roosevelt Memorial, a striking tribute to his legacy. For those who live or work near Rosslyn, the park is a great location to take a walk during lunch or between meetings, as well as connect with nature and learn more about American History.
How to Learn More about Trails and Parks in Arlington
Arlington Transportation Partners (ATP) offers a variety of tools and resources to help organizations support healthier, more active lifestyles for their employees. Whether it’s a midday walk to recharge or a low-stress bike route for commuting to work, ATP can help employees best utilize Arlington’s extensive walking and biking trails and recreational network.
For bike enthusiasts, BikeArlington’s 2024 Comfort Map is an excellent resource. It highlights the County’s off-street bike path system and rates the comfort level of bike accessible roads, helping riders find routes suited to their skill level and preferences. Additionally, organizations and businesses can enhance commuting options by enrolling in Capital Bikeshare’s Corporate Membership program, which offers employees convenient access to bikes throughout the region, making it easier to incorporate biking into daily commutes and routines.
If walking is more appealing, WalkArlington provides detailed overviews of both scenic nature trails and urban walking routes across the community. Their website also features a calendar of events such as guided walks and trail clean-ups, providing a great opportunity for team building, networking, and community engagement.
Together, these resources make it easier to integrate healthier commuting, mindfulness, and nature into the workday. ATP is available to support your organization in promoting active commutes, employee wellness, and greater use of Arlington’s outstanding outdoor spaces.
Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners