Mount Vernon Trail
Mount Vernon Trail
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
253 reviews
Excellent
168
Very good
70
Average
13
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Gohomegnome
Washington DC, DC90 contributions
Aug 2021
Oh this trail isn’t fun for anyone. Walkers and Cyclists alike abhor this trail. It’s too narrow, so sharing is a problem. Tripping over the roots and falling into sunken holes is an actual hazard on this trail. If you’re a cyclist, prepare to rattle your teeth out and lose grip on our bars.
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nic B
11 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Rode from central Washington to Mount Vernon and it is well sign posted
The woodland sections are nice but too much runs next to busy dual carriage way.
Other than Alexandria there is nowhere of interest enroute.
Some have commented on it being busy but we found it fine
The woodland sections are nice but too much runs next to busy dual carriage way.
Other than Alexandria there is nowhere of interest enroute.
Some have commented on it being busy but we found it fine
Written June 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anthony-Susan
Washington DC, DC796 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
If you are a cyclist, this is truly one of the most beautiful and historic bike trails you will find anywhere in the world. As one who has cycled on every continent except one (you can guess which one), I still consider this trail among the top five. Over the years, whenever I visited Washington, I would rent a bike from the bike shop in Georgetown at the Key Bridge, cycle across the bridge to the start of the trail and then enjoy a full day of riding to and from Mt Vernon.
You can also start half way between DC and Mt Vernon in downtown Alexandria. Capital Bike Share bikes are plentiful and inexpensive, and you can cycle back to DC and drop if off there. Another option is to cycle down to Mt Vernon (9 miles from downtown Alexandria) and either ride back or, if you are staying in DC, take the afternoon ferry for a glorious ride back to the Marina in southwest Washington. You can then cycle back to your hotel if you are staying in DC and drop off your Bike Share bike any one of the many stations.
Bring a camera, and consider stops along the way. If you are starting from Georgetown, you will have a magnificent view of Washington from the Key Bridge. You can then consider a stop at Roosevelt Island, which has been maintained in its natural state despite all the urban growth around it. Next stop is Gravelly Point, where the planes land seemingly just above your head. Washington area parents know this is THE place to bring your kids to see them marvel in this wonder. Next stop is Old Town Alexandria. You cycle right through the waterfront area. Stop for an espresso or at one of the three ice cream shops near the corner of King and Union.
Next stop is Jones Point Park, just under the soaring Woodrow Wilson Bridge across the Potomac. Ride to the far point. George Washington himself led a group of our founding fathers marching from Old Town's Gadsby's Tavern carrying a stone marker that marked the far southern edge of the original Washington D.C. The lighthouse where the marker is has recently been restored.
Next stop is Dyke's Marsh, where you ride over a low bridge through the rushes, catty nine tails and water plants. Next stop could be George Washington's River Farm, which is now the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society. You will have to divert from the path and ride through one of Washington's most spectacular residential areas, with waterfront homes that will dazzle.
Back on the trail, next stop is Fort Hunt. Not much to see, but it's worth noting that only a few years ago it was revealed that this was site of America's super secret decoding operation during WWII. The bunker where this underground operation took place is preserved, but it is permanently locked.
Just beyond Ft Hunt is one of the prettiest spot in all of the Washington area: a lookout from which you can see Ft Washington across the river in all its preserved glory and then looking further south, Mt Vernon itself.
Be warned that the last mile of the route before Mt Vernon is a beautiful winding trail through the forest, but it's also a steep uphill grade.
Enjoy!
You can also start half way between DC and Mt Vernon in downtown Alexandria. Capital Bike Share bikes are plentiful and inexpensive, and you can cycle back to DC and drop if off there. Another option is to cycle down to Mt Vernon (9 miles from downtown Alexandria) and either ride back or, if you are staying in DC, take the afternoon ferry for a glorious ride back to the Marina in southwest Washington. You can then cycle back to your hotel if you are staying in DC and drop off your Bike Share bike any one of the many stations.
Bring a camera, and consider stops along the way. If you are starting from Georgetown, you will have a magnificent view of Washington from the Key Bridge. You can then consider a stop at Roosevelt Island, which has been maintained in its natural state despite all the urban growth around it. Next stop is Gravelly Point, where the planes land seemingly just above your head. Washington area parents know this is THE place to bring your kids to see them marvel in this wonder. Next stop is Old Town Alexandria. You cycle right through the waterfront area. Stop for an espresso or at one of the three ice cream shops near the corner of King and Union.
Next stop is Jones Point Park, just under the soaring Woodrow Wilson Bridge across the Potomac. Ride to the far point. George Washington himself led a group of our founding fathers marching from Old Town's Gadsby's Tavern carrying a stone marker that marked the far southern edge of the original Washington D.C. The lighthouse where the marker is has recently been restored.
Next stop is Dyke's Marsh, where you ride over a low bridge through the rushes, catty nine tails and water plants. Next stop could be George Washington's River Farm, which is now the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society. You will have to divert from the path and ride through one of Washington's most spectacular residential areas, with waterfront homes that will dazzle.
Back on the trail, next stop is Fort Hunt. Not much to see, but it's worth noting that only a few years ago it was revealed that this was site of America's super secret decoding operation during WWII. The bunker where this underground operation took place is preserved, but it is permanently locked.
Just beyond Ft Hunt is one of the prettiest spot in all of the Washington area: a lookout from which you can see Ft Washington across the river in all its preserved glory and then looking further south, Mt Vernon itself.
Be warned that the last mile of the route before Mt Vernon is a beautiful winding trail through the forest, but it's also a steep uphill grade.
Enjoy!
Written May 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jbg74
Saint Paul, MN1,198 contributions
Jun 2020
This is a great trail to walk on. There are miles of paved paths there. It is also connected to Theodore Roosevelt Island and several bridges across the Potomac River to the National Mall.
Written June 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
operasuper
Arlington, VA10 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
Wonderful views along the trail. Anytime of the year is good to visit. You may also see wildlife, mostly waterfowl in the Potomac river.
Written December 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JVBV
Okeechobee, FL277 contributions
Jun 2014 • Business
This trail provides walkers, joggers anc cyclists with easy, safe access to the entire area. I use it to run and have many routes from 4 miles to over 10 miles. It can get crowded in the morning and afternoon commute time and during high tourism times. As always courtesy and consideration is needed due to the speed differential between walkers, runners and cyclists. Many of the cyclists carry a bell to give you a warning they are passing from behind. The trail is clean and well maintained. My only caution would be that the trail crosses the GW Parkway at a couple locations when approaching the Memorial Bridge. This is a high volume, high speed road - so use caution when crossing!
Written June 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
QuickWhitTravel
Washington DC, DC3,763 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
I love running along the Mount Vernon Trail! It's the best place around for running, biking, sightseeing (the views across the Potomac can't be beat, especially at sunrise!), bird watching, walking, etc. It takes you from Mount Vernon (Washington's estate) all the way up to Georgetown. The Memorial Bridge is on the way, so you can also access DC from behind the Lincoln Memorial. Definitely go for a stroll or a run!
Written May 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy G
San Antonio, TX375 contributions
Dec 2019
Very nice drive along the Potomac River - plenty of places to pull over to walk, ride bikes or picnic
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas K
Fairfax, VA274 contributions
Oct 2019
My wife and I parked along the George Washington Memorial Parkway and took a long walk on the trail. A beautiful setting.
Written December 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thelynn99
Arlington, VA21 contributions
May 2019
A good place to walk or jog/run and enjoy the weather and beautiful nature scenery. It seems safe to visit this area either solo or with company, but I prefer company. It is not crowded and you can bring your dogs (on a leash) so they can enjoy the walk as well. It is not crowded, and you can bring a picnic if you desire (something light so you are not over-burdened). scenery and a little history. If you live in the DC and suburb areas, it is a good place to take out of town visitors as a contrast to the the DC hstoric areas.
Written October 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do people usually ride their bikes to the trail or is there parking sufficient for people who want to leave their car at the end of the trail for when they return? I have a bike I would like to transport to the trail on my car, and my buddy will be renting a bike. So we’re looking for a parking lot near the capital bike share. Is there such a thing? Where is it located? Thank you!
Written May 25, 2018
Yes, there are quite a few options depending on day....tons of street parking on weekends...might have to do a few loops to find it in Alexandria and Arlington but possible...free rates vary wildly so be careful....Saturday is not always free....some great parking lots in Arlington free after 4pm near multiple rideshares
Written May 29, 2018
Driving in from WI and don’t want to bring our bikes; is there a place nearby to rent bikes?
Written May 8, 2018
Yes! You have many options! Capital bikes are everywhere and probably easiest for renting a bike
Written May 9, 2018
Charlie-n-Shirley
Omaha, Nebraska
We will have several hours waiting time at Reagan National airport. Can you access the Mt. Vernon trail by walking from the airport?
Written March 19, 2018
Sorry, no but other walks are possible heavy traffic and be careful not to get onto a no sidewalk route
Written April 2, 2018
My wife and I are planning on riding the trail for the first time. We live in PA and plan on bringing our hybrid bikes. Any recommendations on where to stay near the trail, maybe at a midpoint? We would like to ride 1/2 the trail one day and the other 1/2 the next day.
Written June 3, 2016
You can stay in Old Town Alexandria or in the Crystal City area. There are lots of choices of inns and hotels. Both are pretty close to the trail (just blocks.)
Written June 3, 2016
This looks like a great place to watch planes at DCA, is the pathway accessible from the Crystal City hotels and is it safe enough to take my 12 year old to the park to watch planes?
Written March 3, 2016
It is very close to the Crystal City hotels, we biked over but it was close enough to walk over. The trail seemed very safe to me. As far as watching planes that I am not sure. I don't recall seeing many when we rode the trail from Crystal City to Mount Vernon but I do remember passing the airport and there was a path off the trail into the airport or so it seemed, we didn't take it.
Have fun.
Written March 4, 2016
Does anyone know if youre able to have a small wedding in the park area of Mount Vernon trails? i see people having bbq's, so i thougt id ask this question. Thanks in advance
Written May 26, 2015
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