Northern Virginia Bike Trails

Bike riding is one of the best ways to experience Fairfax County. Explore quiet, tree-lined streets and trails using Fairfax County's excellent interactive map of biking routes. Paper copies of a biking map are also available at many local bicycle stores.

Types of Bike Trails in Fairfax County 

Paved Bike Trails 

The 100-foot-wide Washington & Old Dominion Trail is "the skinniest park in Virginia." It's also one of the longest parks; 45 miles of paved trail ideal for bicycling, walking, running, and skating. Built on the roadbed of the former Washington & Old Dominion Railroad, the W&OD Trail runs through the heart of Northern Virginia and into the countryside toward Leesburg and Purcellville. There are even sections of the trail set with gravel, perfect for horseback riding.

Unpaved Bike Paths

Also for bikers, the Cross County Trail begins at Great Falls National Park on the Potomac River and extends 40 miles south to the Occoquan River. It's a north-south mostly unpaved trail that winds through the county, connecting several county parks and green spaces. It provides a unique bicycling experience. There are several other bicycling opportunities listed on the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority websites.

Mountain Biking Trails

One absolute must for mountain bikers is Fountainhead Regional Park's black diamond biking trail. One of the most popular trails in the region, visitors are offered a fast, fun and challenging mountain bike experience down a single-track course. A true gem for the area. Check out the map.

For more information on biking in Fairfax County, visit www.fabb-bikes.org. For details on great hiking trails in Fairfax County, take a look at the local and regional parks that offer picturesque trails and other outdoor activities.

Find more bike-friendly listings below. Enjoy the ride!

Looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure in Northern Virginia? Then check out our Outdoor Adventure Getaway itinerary that includes outdoor activities and destinations. These getaway ideas are perfect for either someone looking for extreme adventure or if you are someone looking to leisurely enjoy the great outdoors.

Capital Bikeshare

Fairfax County recently added nearly 30 Capital Bikeshare stations to Reston and Tysons, with more stations being planned for the future. Bikeshare allows you to pick up a bike at one location and return it to another location, allowing you to get from point A to point B easily. If you’re new to Bikeshare, you can try the system with a $2 single-trip fare. These single 30-minute trip passes are available at any station kiosk (24-hour and 3-day passes are available at kiosks, too). 30-day passes and annual memberships can be purchased online.

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