Explore the best rated trails in Chantilly, VA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Anacostia River Trail and Meadowlark Connector Trail . With more than 115 trails covering 4610 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Paint Branch Trail is good with one fatal flaw. Just west of Lake Artemesia there is a railroad underpass that develops a large mud pit after rainfall. Most of the time I've used this trail it has not been an issue, but I recently rode it after a rainfall and there was a mud pit approximately 25 feet long, with mud 2-3 inches deep, with no way around. Very unsafe and very irritating.
The trail is paved and easy to ride, and the water fountains that line the trail actually work! Great for beginners and experienced riders. Well-populated but not overcrowded.
The bridge is open and you're able to ride the full length of the trail. Great nature viewing throughout the ride. Surprisingly, over 1000 ft of elevation gain.
Some parts east of Carroll Park were a bit sketchy. That said, I love the variety that this trail brings. Western part is very well-signed and doesn’t even feel like city. Eastern part is a bit more confusing (I definitely recommend having the map open). This was a fun 2 rides.
This experience is based on parking at Mount Vernon and riding the trail for approximately 4 miles in one direction, then returning. The trail is primarily paved, with a scattering of wide wooden bridges to cross. You will ride an asphalt two-laned path through lightly forested areas as well as open areas, so you can enjoy the sun and the breeze coming off the Potomac River. The scenery is spectacular, and gives you the opportunity to forget that you are in Northern Virginia.
However, there are a lot of inclines and descents that some may find challenging. If all else fails, just get off the bike and walk, and pick up riding when the trail flattens out. Part of the route -- not the trail itself -- goes through a short tunnel, so the trail ends at the tunnel entrance, and picks up again once you go through and exit the tunnel. This means while in the tunnel, you are on the road, and not on a bike path. For children bike riders and hikers, extra precaution should be taken at this point. Other than that, absolutely stunning views of Northern Virginia and the Potomac River. Bald Eagles can be seen flying over the water as well. This trail is definitely a do-over!
Rode south from Inner Harbor to MedStar Harbor Hospital, a decidedly mixed experience. The "urban" part is tricky, not well-signed, and lots of crumbly asphalt and broken glass. The spot where the Middle Branch Trail/E Coast Greenway hits Russell St (south of Top Golf, just north of the Wheelabrator) is also a spot for people to gather, didn't feel very safe. (It was neat to see Gwynnda the Good Wheel of the West near there, however.) The "Westport" section of the trail feels very exposed: deserted industrial with occasional cars with opaque windows...once you arrive to the Middle Branch Park, the trail is more park-like but not well-populated even on a beautiful day and the trail is not in great condition. Pretty views of Baltimore from the coast. If you're departing from the inner harbor, would recommend just biking out to Fort McHenry instead - a bit more traffic but feels significantly safer and much nicer.
I park at Maryland Ave off of MacArthur Blvd and hop on the car-free path here. Lots of lovely scenery and never crowded. Weekends there are a lot of street bikers but the pathway is always easy going. Restrooms across from Old Angler's Inn - good turn around point. Great ride.
Ok section, kind of dull. Agriculture & cows. Found a bit of shade by a grain elevator for lunch. Several washouts filled with tumbleweeds as you get closer to Lind.
Who ever scheduled work and approved the contactor to repair boardwalk bridge section along Telegraf Road should look for another job. New boards make it less safe than the old ones. A trip hazard and surface that may cause wheeled users to lose control. It is not improved but made less safe of a crossing for bikers, walkers, joggers, strollers, rollerbladers and skateboarders when they cross it. Almost like adding pot holes to asphalt. Just one persons comment.
I biked the BWI Trail today with my son. We had a fantastic time. We covered 12.4 miles, and the trail was smooth, well-maintained, and easy to navigate. It loops around the airport, but you’d be surprised scenic it feels, with stretches of greenery, wooded areas, and even a few nice rest stops. Great for casual riders and pros alike. We’ll definitely be back for another ride.
I’m a casual writer and I wrote the entire trail and one day.
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