Whether you're commuting, exercising or exploring Fairfax County, the 66 Parallel Trail makes it easy to walk, bike and roll alongside Interstate 66 —and wayfinding signs at several key access points help users find and navigate the trail. The 20-mile trail runs from Centreville to Dunn Loring/Merrifield.
“The 66 Trail has become my go-to route for commuting between Centreville and Fairfax," said Andrew Sheldon, a planner with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation’s (FCDOT) Active Transportation Team. "Having a dedicated trail separated from traffic makes the ride safer, less stressful and a lot more enjoyable. We're fortunate to have access to this incredible trail right here in our community. If you haven't tried the 66 Trail yet, I encourage you to give it a ride—you might discover a new favorite way to get around!"
FCDOT recently installed directional signs at locations throughout Centreville, Fair Lakes, Fair Oaks and Oakton, including:
- Centreville Park and Ride
- Fair Lakes Circle
- Fair Lakes Parkway
- Monument Drive Transit Center
- Random Hills Road
- Vienna Metro
The signs guide users to trail access points, destinations along the 66 Parallel Trail and connections to other trails including the W&OD Trail, the Fairfax County Parkway Trail and the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail.
The 66 Parallel Trail also serves as an important transportation corridor, connecting residents to jobs, shopping, transit and community destinations. The trail provides convenient access to both the Dunn Loring-Merrifield and Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metrorail stations, as well as the Monument Drive Transit Center and the Stringfellow Road Park & Ride. And to make those connections even easier, both transit centers feature secure bicycle parking rooms, offering a reliable first mile/last mile option that lets you combine biking with public transportation and reach destinations across the DMV without needing a car.
More Trail Improvements Are Coming
The 66 Parallel Trail continues to close key gaps. Construction on the remaining section in Random Hills Park near Random Hills Road is expected to wrap up this summer, further improving overall trail connectivity. A new shared-use path along the south side of Post Forest Drive from West Ox Road to Random Hills Road, and north along the east side of Random Hills Road to Monument Drive Transit Center, is now open and substantially complete.
Looking ahead, the Virgina Department of Transportation (VDOT) also is planning to replace the interim trail section between Blake Lane and Nutley Street with a permanent shared-use path. Construction of this project is expected to begin next year.
Ready to explore? Grab a bike or lace up your walking shoes and experience the 66 Parallel Trail for yourself. Use the new wayfinding signs to discover trail connections, nearby destinations and transit options along the route.
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