Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
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Location
Shirlington to Purcellville, Northern Virginia
Main trail
45-mile paved multi-use route
Other trail
Adjacent gravel horse trail
Hours
Daily, year-round; confirm current status
The Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park is a long, linear park built around the W&OD Trail, a paved route following the bed of the former Washington & Old Dominion Railroad. It runs 45 miles between Shirlington and Purcellville, passing from the built-up neighborhoods of Northern Virginia into the countryside. Walking, running, cycling and skating are among the ways to explore; an adjacent gravel trail is available for horseback riding.[1]
Rather than a single entrance or a short loop, the W&OD is a through-route with access points along its length. That makes it easy to choose a short out-and-back outing or plan a longer ride between towns. The railroad story is part of the experience, too: the route that now carries trail users once connected Alexandria with communities to the west.[2]
Plan a trip to Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
Why visit the W&OD?
The trail offers a flexible way to get outdoors without committing to a remote hike or a full-day excursion. Choose a convenient access point, follow the paved corridor at your own pace, and turn back whenever you like. For a longer outing, the route passes through places including Arlington, Falls Church, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Leesburg and Purcellville.[3]
The experience changes along the way: urban and suburban stretches give way to more open countryside, while the former rail corridor gives the route a clear, continuous line across the region. It can work for a quick neighborhood walk, a family ride or a point-to-point journey, provided you plan your distance and return trip.
Start here
For a first visit, pick an access point that suits the length of outing you want rather than trying to cover the entire trail. NOVA Parks lists multiple access and parking locations, including Shirlington, Arlington, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Ashburn, Leesburg and Purcellville. Check the park’s current access information before setting out, since parking arrangements and conditions can vary by location.[4]
Use the official trail map to choose a start and finish, especially for a one-way trip. The park’s posted hours are 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, year-round; confirm current hours, alerts and access details with NOVA Parks before visiting.[5]
What to see and do
Walk, run or skate
Follow the paved multi-use trail for a short local outing or a longer point-to-point journey. Keep an eye out for other trail users, particularly at crossings and in busy sections.
Plan a cycling route
Use the access points and trail map to set a manageable distance. For a one-way ride, arrange transportation at the far end or plan enough time and energy for the return trip.
Ride the horse trail
Equestrians can use the adjacent gravel horse trail, which NOVA Parks describes as 32 miles long. Check current park guidance before riding.
Notice the railroad landscape
As you travel, look for traces of the corridor’s rail past and consider how the route links communities that grew along the former line.
Explore a short section
The trail’s many access points make it practical to visit for a brief walk or ride. Choose a nearby start, follow the path at your own pace and turn around when ready.
History and significance
The route began as the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad, conceived in 1847 to carry commerce inland from Alexandria. Its corridor crossed what are now communities in Northern Virginia and saw activity during the Civil War. The railroad later operated as the Washington & Old Dominion; rail service ended in 1968.[6]
NOVA Parks opened the first section of trail in Falls Church on September 7, 1974. The final nine-mile section into Purcellville opened on November 5, 1988, completing the trail as a continuous recreational route. Today, the former railroad bed serves walkers, runners, cyclists, skaters and equestrians, as well as people using sections of the trail for everyday travel.[7]
The trail also interprets aspects of its past. NOVA Parks notes that an interpretive sign unveiled in Leesburg in 2022 addresses segregationist laws that regulated W&OD passenger service during the 20th century.[8]
Planning a visit
The W&OD is a shared-use trail, not a closed course. Be considerate of other visitors, use caution when passing, and take particular care around road crossings and school groups. NOVA Parks publishes current park hours, access-point directions, a downloadable map and alerts; check these details before you go. The park has announced intermittent delays during construction of the Sterling Boulevard overpass through spring 2028, so check for updates if your plans include that area.[9]
Because the route is long and includes open as well as built-up stretches, bring water and plan your distance, turnaround point and transportation before setting off. Conditions, parking availability and current trail notices may differ by access point; verify them with the park operator.
Nearby attractions
Arlington, Virginia
Explore the W&OD’s eastern reaches and Arlington’s parks and neighborhoods.
Leesburg, Virginia
Visit the historic Loudoun County town along the trail’s western half.
Purcellville, Virginia
The western end of the 45-mile W&OD route.
Vienna, Virginia
A convenient Northern Virginia community along the former railroad corridor.
Books and useful gear: Browse related travel books and outdoor gear on Amazon
References
- ↑ Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park, NOVA Parks, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ History, NOVA Parks, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ History, NOVA Parks, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park, NOVA Parks, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park, NOVA Parks, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ History, NOVA Parks, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ History, NOVA Parks, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Trail Highlights, NOVA Parks, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Retrieved October 23, 2026.
- ↑ Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park, NOVA Parks, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. Retrieved October 23, 2026.