We are lucky enough to live in an area where we can be outside most days of the year. And there are so many things to do in Northern Virginia that we want to make sure you can try new things as well as your tried and true favorites. This week we are highlighting the best bike trails in NoVA.

The holiday weekend is the perfect time to get outside and explore some of the best bike trails in NoVA. You can find beautiful views of the Potomac river and D.C. monuments, easy access to several local breweries, quaint towns, great eateries, and even a few stops to do some shopping. These trails cater to a range of skill levels, so be sure to check the difficulty rating before setting out!

1. Mount Vernon Trail

Jump on the trail at the parking lot next to Theodore Roosevelt Island and embark on a captivating ride that takes you past the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Reagan National Airport; through Old Town Alexandria; and to your final destination at Mount Vernon. Old Town is just about at the halfway point – making it a great place to stop and grab some hydration or a bite to eat to replenish your energy! The ride is relatively flat until the last mile or so before you reach Mount Vernon. 

Route: Rosslyn to Mount Vernon

Distance: 18 miles

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty: 5 out of 10

2. Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD)

The W&OD trail runs from Shirlington all the way out to Purcellville, but that is a 45 mile ride and probably more than most riders want to take on. However, one of the best segments of the W&OD runs from Falls Church to Reston. Riders can get on the trail in Falls Church at the intersection of Washington Street and I-66. From there it is an easy and mostly flat ride. Around the halfway point, the trail passes through Vienna which offers several great restaurants for a pit stop. Leaving Vienna, it is a quiet ride out to Reston where you can find many more restaurants and shopping options. There are also seven breweries located near or along this route!

Route: Falls Church to Reston Town Center

Distance: 14 miles

Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Difficulty: 4 out of 10

3. Haymarket to Middleburg

This ride starts in Haymarket near the intersection of Washington Street and John Marshall Highway and features a mix of gravel and paved paths.. There are lots of shady areas along the way which provide a perfect place to take a break and enjoy a picnic.  Winding through rolling countryside, this trail offers views of old Virginia farmhouses and large pastures before ending in the charming town of Middleburg. With its quaint shops, unique dining, and numerous wineries, Middleburg serves as a lovely destination for riders.. 

Route: Haymarket to Middleburg

Distance: 35 miles

Time: 3 to 4 hours

Difficulty: 6 out of 10

4. Leesburg to Brunswick

More experienced riders might want to consider this delightful ride that begins in Leesburg and heads north through Lovettsville and onward to Brunswick. The Market Table Bistro is a great place to take a rest in Lovettsville before crossing the Potomac river into Brunswick. For riders wanting to make it a round trip ride, the return includes a beautiful ride along the Potomac and a refreshing descent back into Leesburg. After a 64-mile round trip ride, Leesburg offers tons of choices to refuel and celebrate the ride.

Route: Leesburg to Brunswick

Distance: 32 miles

Time: 2 hours

Difficulty: 7 out of 10

5. Mountain Bike Trails

For those that prefer to go further off the beaten path and truly “offroad” it, there is a family-friendly mountain bike trail in the Mason Neck peninsula. Trail access is located in Lorton off of Gunston Road where there is parking at the trailhead. Featuring a main loop and three internal trails, these routes take riders through mature hardwoods, over an elevated boardwalk, across wood berms, and several jumps. All features offer alternate lines to accommodate less experienced riders. 

Route: Meadowood Tour

Distance: 7 miles

Time: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: 3 out of 10

See more of the best trails and get more details and tips for riding each of the trails above:  https://bit.ly/bestbiketrailsnova

These are some of the top trails according to Northern Virginia magazine, but leave a  comment if you have another favorite bike trail in NoVA that we need to know about!