Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
it was purchased by the Northern Virginia Parks Association, which still owns and
maintains the trail today.
The trail is exceptionally well-marked, with posts indicating every half mile be-
ginning in Shirlington, Virginia, where the trail starts in the heart of the Washington,
DC-metropolitan area. From this urban setting, the trail heads though various suburb-
an neighborhoods. Bleaumont Park (at 3.5 miles), one of many picnic areas and parks
within the trail's first 10 miles, is a great rest stop, with both water and restrooms
available. At 5.5 miles, the trail provides an access point to Washington's Metrorail
system by connecting to the East Falls Church Station.
Rural Virginia farmland is found at the northern end of this trail, less than 45 miles out-
side of the nation's capital.
As you make your way beyond the Interstate 495 beltway, at mile 9, use caution
at several roads crossings, especially during rush hour. Now in Fairfax County, the
trail continues through the communities of Vienna (at mile 12) and Reston (at mile
18). These suburban neighborhoods thin out a bit and the trail becomes more wooded.
The town of Herndon (at mile 20.5) is home to a wonderful trailside train depot,
one of many along the trail that also provides a good rest stop. As the trail continues,
it passes through Ashburn (at mile 27.5), Sterling (at mile 28), and Leesburg (at mile
34). The historical town of Leesburg has a colonial feel and is popular spot for lunch
and antiquing.
The final 10 miles from Leesburg to Purcellville travel through rolling hills of
classic Virginia farmland. Horses graze, corn fields flourish, and trail users can use
the trip as a chance to sample Virginia wines at the many vineyards in the region. The
last stop on the trail is the Purcellville Train Depot (at mile 44.8). The trail ends on a
