Bike the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park

The 44.4-mile Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD), one of suburban Washington, D.C.’s most popular rail-­trails, is a fantastic link between the state’s rural and historical past and the nation’s capital.

The trail is paved and exceptionally well marked, with mileposts every 0.5 mile and interpretive signs telling the story of the people and places along the rail line. The first 10 miles of the W&OD trail, stretching from Purcellville (western endpoint) to the historic town of Leesburg, travel through the rolling hills of Virginia Piedmont farmland. Horses graze, cornfields flourish, and trail crowds thin out somewhat.
As the trail continues, it passes through Sterling and Ashburn, which features a year-round trailside barbecue restaurant. The town of Herndon features an old caboose, as well as a trailside train depot, used as a visitor center.
The wooded trail surroundings feel a bit more suburban as the path continues through to the communities of Reston and Vienna. In Vienna, there is yet another caboose and train depot.

From west to east, the elevation gradually declines. The leafier suburbs quickly become more urban, as the W&OD Trail makes its way towards its eastern terminus in the unincorporated community of Shirlington in Arlington.

This will be a two-day ride. On Friday (5/29), we'll ride west from Sterling to Purcellville for 21 miles, have lunch along the way, and ride back to Sterling. Total distance of 42 miles. On Saturday (5/30), we'll ride east from Sterling to Shirlington for 23 miles, have lunch along the way, and ride back to Sterling. Total distance of 46 miles. These two rides are optional. You can choose to do just one or both.

Disclaimer: GetHiking Charlottesville Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were riding alone. With your RSVP, you agree with this disclaimer.

Weather: (as of 5/20/2026)
Fri (5/29) - 81F/59F, mostly sunny.
Sat (5/30) - High 84F, partly cloudy.

Notes:
1. This is a no drop ride. Pace is 10-14 mph. At each crossing on the trail that's controlled by a stop sign or light, we will stop and consolidate the group on the other side of the trail.
2. Reference guide: https://www.traillink.com/trail/washington-and-old-dominion-railroad-regional-park-(wod)/.
2. Mandatory equipment: helmet, repair kit/spare tube/pump.
3. Suggested trip equipment: warm-weather gear, cash, cell phone, ID/car keys, sunglasses, snack/drink, cable lock. Leave change of clothes and water (for rinsing) in your vehicle.
4. A final itinerary or cancellation notice will be posted 3-5 days before the ride.

Tentative Itinerary: All events are optional and subject to change. Times are approximate.
Friday (5/29):
10:30 am - meet at Sterling/Pacific Boulevard Washington & Old Dominion Trail Parking Lot for start of ride and group introduction.
11 am - ride west to Purcellville for 21 miles, have lunch along the way, and return to Sterling for another 21 miles. Total - 42 miles.
4 pm - check-in at local hotels. I have a reservation at TownPlace Suites by Marriott Dulles Airport, 22744 Holiday Park Dr, Sterling.
5:30 pm - meet for dinner. Restaurant TBD.
Saturday (5/30):
8:30 am - meet at the same parking lot for the start of the ride.
9 am - ride east to Shirlington for 23 miles, have lunch along the way, and return to Sterling for another 23 miles. Total - 46 miles.
3 pm - end of our 2-day adventure. And, drive safely home.