Explore the area on some excellent local bicycle trails:

These two trails are smooth enough for road bikes, and enjoyable for all riders:

The Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail: (Paved) 45 miles, Shirlington to Purcelleville.

Stretching from the Potomac River to the Blue Ridge Mountains, this trail runs through the urban heartland of Northern Virginia.  It is the former W&OD Railroad and is a multi-use trail.  Besides cycling, users can walk, run, inline skate and cross country ski in the winter.  There is a gravel path running parallel to the paved path that is often used for horse back riding.  Access is available in numerous places, including Vienna, Herndon, Reston, Leesburg to the West and Arlington to the East.  The W&OD connects to the Custis Trail, the Mount Vernon trail, and Four Mile Run. 

C&O Canal Towpath: (Hard-Packed Dirt ) 184.5 miles, Cumberland, MD, to Georgetown, Washington, DC.

A great way to tour the area, this packed dirt path follows the Chesepeake & Ohio Canal all the way to Cumberland, MD! This path has it all: from urban areas to beautiful, quiet, out-in-the country stretches where you are sure to spot wildlife such as deer, fox, and rabbits.

Here are some choice mountain bike trails that we love to ride:

Fairfax/Burke - 123 & Henderson Rd: Single track, rocks, roots. Good for more experienced riders.

Annandale - Braddock Road & 495: Single and double track. All skill levels, though may not be tough enough for hard-core riders.  Connects to Accotink Park to maximize your adventure!

Braddock Rd: Similar to Wakefield, although a bit more technical, more roots.

Reston-Great Falls - Off Michael Faraday Drive in Reston: Not as difficult as the name sounds, muddy, hilly.

Maryland - 495/270 / Clopper Rd: Easy, fun. Lots of logs, sometimes called "Log Heaven".

Gambrill State Park

Maryland - Route 15: A shop favorite! Recommended for the advanced rider. Challenging terrain, steep climbs, roots.

Links

  Bike Washington

  www.bikewashington.org - a great site with tons of information on local trails and events.