The NOVA Loop Trail forms a continuous multi-use trail around Northern Virginia by linking together the following 8 trails in a seamless route:
Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail (Approx. 20-mile stretch)
- Take the path of the former W&OD railway from Herndon to Arlington. This leg of the trail starts in Reston just north of Sunset Hills Road. Visit the Herndon Depot Museum to see how commuting used to look. Stop at Reston Town Center for shopping or a bite to eat. Fish, boat, skate, or hike around Lake Fairfax. See what’s in bloom at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Picnic at the Vienna Town Green or stroll small businesses and cafés along Broad Street in the City of Falls Church. Love flowers? Don't miss the Bon Air Park Rose Garden in Arlington.
Four Mile Run Trail (Approx. 2-mile stretch)
- In Arlington, the Loop transitions onto the Four Mile Run Trail at the intersection of S Four Mile Run Dr. and S Arlington Mill Dr. This scenic trail runs alongside Four Mile Run stream and leads directly to the Mount Vernon Trail. Visit Barcroft Park for batting cages, volleyball, or sports fields. Looking to relax? There are picnic shelters and trails along the stream. If you didn't pack a lunch, nearby Shirlington has lots of restaurants, plus retail and a library.
*Mount Vernon Trail (Approx. 13-mile stretch)
- The Loop continues south on the Mount Vernon Trail, which follows the Potomac River. Walk or ride along the Potomac River and watch the planes at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Stroll down the streets of Old Town Alexandria. Find Jones Point Lighthouse, the last lighthouse in the Chesapeake Bay area. Watch the boats at Shipyard Park or explore over 450 acres of wetlands at Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve. This trail extends all the way to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate.
*Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Trail (Approx. 3-mile stretch)
- From Mount Vernon, the Loop picks up the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Trail, completed in 2023.History fans have lots to explore on this portion including George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill. A little further west you’ll find two eras of architecture in one spot: the Woodlawn Plantation & Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House.
*Richmond Highway Trail (Approx. 4-mile stretch)
- This trail runs along Richmond Highway (Route 1) from Jeff Todd Way to Lorton Road. Pass by Fort Belvoir, one of the largest employers in Fairfax County. Get to know the history of the American Soldier at the National Museum of the United States Army. Stop by Pohick Church, house of worship to George Washington and George Mason, and a site rich with early American history.
* Lorton Road Trail (Approx. 3-mile stretch)
- From Route 1, the NOVA Loop turns west onto the Lorton Road Trail, continuing to Ox Road (Route 123). Take your mountain bike for a ride at Laurel Hill Apple Orchard Recreation Area. Follow the trail under the unique Historic Barrel Bridge (and test out your echo!). Just south of the Loop, visit the Workhouse Arts Center to take a class or see an exhibit. Learn about the Workhouse's role in the Women's Suffrage movement at the Lucy Burns Museum.
Ox Road Trail (Approx. 7-mile stretch)
- The trail runs along Ox Road (Route 123) northbound until it reaches the intersection with Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286). Want to spend some time in nature? Burke Lake Park has more than 800 acres of activities! Try out some mini-golf, ride on the carousel or mini train, take out a boat and go fishing, or spend some time walking the popular 4.7-mile loop. Get in some shopping or stop for a bite to eat at one of the many shops in Burke Center.
Fairfax County Parkway Trail (Approx. 16-mile stretch)
- To complete the Loop, follow the trail along Fairfax County Parkway for an easy and flat path past homes and parks. Stop into Patriot Park North, Fairfax County's baseball and softball complex. Shop and dine at Fairfax Corner or Franklin Farm Village Center or go for a hike at Rocky Run Stream Valley Trail. Farther north there's Stratton Woods Park, with courts for pickleball, racquetball, basketball, tennis and more.
* Trail segment is shared with the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and the East Coast Greenway
