Multi-Use Trails

Alexandria has a terrific trail system with over 20 miles throughout the City! From historic sites along the Mt. Vernon Trail to new developments along the Potomac Yards Trail, there is something for everyone!

Page updated on Dec 21, 2017 at 9:12 AM

Trail Network

Alexandria has a great network of trails. Click the links below to learn more about each trail!

Trail News & Events


HOLMES RUN TRAIL DETOUR

The City of Alexandria has awarded a contract to Civil Wall Solutions for the construction of improvements along the Holmes Run Bike Trail from the stream crossing at North Ripley Street to Van Dorn Street. The Holmes Run Bike Trail project provides improvements to a portion of the existing pedestrian and bicycle network along a section of Holmes Run Trail.  The replacement of the existing Holmes Run fair weather crossing with a new pedestrian / bicycle bridge, an on-street bicycle route to be used as an alternative to the Holmes Run trail during flood events. Also included is the restoration of a portion of the Holmes Run to a more natural condition.  This restoration will also ensure the base flood elevation is not increased as a result of the construction of the new pedestrian bridge.  This project conforms to the goals and visions set forth in the Citywide Parks Improvement Plan which was endorsed by City Council in 2014.

Construction is anticipated to start the week of March 6th and is currently scheduled to take approximately 12 months. The alternative high water detour should be used by trail users during the construction of the project. 

Any questions related to this project should be directed to the City’s project manager, Daphne Kott, at Daphne.kott@alexandriava.gov or at 703.746.4055. 

Previous Meeting: A public information meeting was held on Tuesday, 3/21, at the William Ramsay Recreation Center.

FLYER

HIGH WATER DETOUR PLAN

DETOUR MAP

High Water Detour

 

POTOMAC YARD TRAIL DETOUR AT EAST GLEBE ROAD

Beginning in December 2016, construction will begin on the NIB building in Potomac Yard at the northwest corner of Potomac Avenue and East Glebe Road. Construction requires a detour on the Potomac Yard Trail for bicyclists and pedestrians at this location. The detour is expected to last through Summer 2017.

Potomac Yard Trail Detour 1

Trail Etiquette

Here are a few suggestions to ensure that everyone enjoys their time on Alexandria’s trails:

  1. Share the Trail. Slower trail users such as walkers and runners have the right of way. It is important for bicyclists to maintain safe speeds for the benefit of all trail users.
  2. Ride on the right, pass on the left. When passing, make sure there is ample space to do so and notify others of your intent to pass either verbally or with a bell.
  3. Obey traffic signs and signals including stop signs and traffic lights.
  4. If you need to stop, step off the trail so you don’t block other users.
  5. Be alert for obstacles in the trail such as debris, potholes, grates, trail users, etc.
  6. Keep an open ear! It is unlawful to operate a bicycle while using headphones on or in both ears (VA 46.2-1078).
  7. Do not disturb vegetation or wildlife.
  8. Most importantly, have fun!

Trail Profiles


Backlick Run Trail

Description: The 0.7 mile Backlick Run Trail connects Ben Brenman Park to Armistead Boothe Park via Backlick Run. The trail runs along the Cameron Station Linear Park and provides access to the Holmes Run Trail Network.

Projects:  There are currently no planned projects.

             

EISENHOWER AVENUE TRAIL

Description: The Eisenhower Avenue Trail extends 1.8 miles from Cameron Run Regional Park east towards the Eisenhower Metro Station. The Trail ends near the Metro Station at Stovall Street. The trail also connects to the Holmes Run Trail to the west.

Projects: Eisenhower Avenue Trail will be closed on Friday Dec 22, 2017 (one day) for a scheduled maintenance. Utility contractors will be raising utility boxes to ensure they are at level with the newly installed pavement and also to ensure a continuous and smooth surface in the surrounding area.

        

News: Beginning the week of October 15th, the City of Alexandria will begin work to remove sediment from Cameron Run. This project requires periodic truck access across the Eisenhower Avenue Trail. The City’s contractor will have a flagger to manage truck traffic so pedestrians and bicyclists can safely traverse through the area. Trail conditions will be monitored daily to ensure safe and ridable conditions. The work is expected to last up to two months. For more information, please contact Jason Kacamburas, DPI project manager, at Jason.Kacamburas@AlexandriaVA.gov or 703-746-4049.


FOUR MILE RUN PARK TRAIL

Description: The Four Mile Run Park Trail is a 1.1 mile trail which connects to the Potomac Yard Trail, the Mount Vernon Trail, and Arlington's Four Mile Run Trail. The trail runs through Four Mile Run Park, which features athletic facilities, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more.

           

Projects: There are currently no planned projects.

HOLMES RUN TRAIL

Description: The Holmes Run Trail is a 3.1 mile long section of trail extending between Cameron Run Regional Park (and the Eisenhower Avenue Trail), Dora Kelly Nature Park, and the Holmes Run Park. This trail provides connections to N Pickett St, N Van Dorn St, N Beauregard St, and to Arlington.

           

News: The Holmes Run Trail was repaved between Dora Kelly Park and North Chambliss Street this Fall.

Projects:

MT. VERNON TRAIL

Description: 5.6 miles of the 18 mile long Mount Vernon Trail runs through Alexandria. The Trail runs alongside the Potomac River and connects George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island. The scenic trail also connects to several regional trails including the Four Mile Run Park Trail and Potomac Yard Trail.

           

Projects:

POTOMAC YARD TRAIL

Description: The 2.1 mile Potomac Yard Trail runs from the Braddock Road Metro Station North along Potomac Ave to connect with the Four Mile Run Trail. This trail features exercise equipment, basketball courts, tennis courts, and numerous playgrounds.

News: Beginning in December 2016, construction will begin on the NIB building in Potomac Yard at the northwest corner of Potomac Avenue and East Glebe Road. Construction requires a detour on the Potomac Yard Trail for bicyclists and pedestrians at this location. The detour is expected to last through Summer 2018.


           

Projects: There are currently no planned projects.

OLD CAMERON RUN TRAIL

The Old Cameron Run Trail is a future trail with design beginning in 2017.  A Feasibility Study was completed in 2016 which recommended a preferred trail alignment and projected costs.  The City used this study to apply for grant funding to continue to design and construct the trail and was awarded funding through the Federal Smart Scale program.

Trail Network

Future Trail Expansion

Alexandria will expand the existing trail network by adding new trails and extending existing trails. Click here to view plans for the expansion of the trail network! 


BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN COUNTERS

In 2015 and 2016, the City installed bicycle and pedestrian counters along its trail at seven locations, shown on the map below.  The counters provide data in 15 minute intervals, 24 hours a day.  To access this data, visit the  Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Counter DASHBOARD.


SHARED USE PATH TUNNEL STUDY

In 2016, the City completed a study to identify short and long-term improvements to the shared use path tunnel underneath Telegraph Road and the CSX/Metrorail tracks, and the Holmes Run Trail tunnel underneath I-395. The study can be viewed here.

Trail Issues or Comments?

Use Call.Click.Connect to contact City staff.


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