Explore the best rated trails in Culpeper, VA. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Meadowlark Connector Trail and Ox Road Sidepath. With more than 39 trails covering 279 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.
We hiked about 2.4 miles or so from CATEC to Melbourne Road. A lovely walk along an asphalt trail. This late in the day hike was a good choice for our dog who got excited seeing squirrels, rabbits, and a deer. We also passed several cyclists enjoying the same trail. A great hike for those who want to enjoy a not too long, not too short hike that is not too difficult.
My wife and I just discovered this wonderful trail. It’s one of the best bike trails we’ve biked. The payment is near perfect with no cracks or rough patches. The shoulders are well groomed and the small wood bridges are well maintained. Today’s ride treated us to the fall foliage. We plan to make frequent visits for the near 27 round trip ride and. Recommend it highly
As others have said - variable surface, smooth to pretty rough. I rode 12+12 from the west end on a bike w/ 40 mm tires, but no suspension. If you have a bike w/ suspension (at least on front), use it.
And within the first 1/2 mile the path crosses the tracks (and the surface changes from smooth bluestone to sloped loose gravel) - that caught me by surprise.
This is a very pretty trail. Recently repaved so quite smooth and exceptionally clean. It’s generally flat but with several long, gentle grades. A wonderful ride.
This trail pretty for walking and would be okay on a fat-tire bike with front shocks, but its surface is not for medium or narrow tires. It was a disappointment on my recumbent trike--crawling along on dirt, gravel, exposed railroad ties, and worse. I only rode 3 miles before turning around. However in that short space, I twice had to get off and walk over rails or narrow duckboards.
I ride the paved part of the trail from Picket Road, Fairfax, past Americana Park and stop when the trail turns to crushed stone and gravel - where I turn back. It is a very nice ride and not too difficult. From Picket Road to the end of the paved trail is about 6 miles one way, fairly flat, nicely covered, and a pleasant ride through the woods with only a few street crossings.
As of 8/27/22, the wooden bridge 0.2 miles north of the Braddock Road underpass has a board that is rotting and most of it is missing. It is probably only 5 inches wide and easily navigated, but you need to cross it carefully.
Other than that one small spot, a good ride for all.........
Tree covered trail extremely easy to manipulate.l
Peaceful calm relatively long for your first trail but absolutely amazing couldn’t recommend more
Mel n I rode our tandem back. Even though we are staying at Green Belt, we drove 30 miles to get there because we knew the parking place and we knew the trail from previous trips. We parked at Bensville Park and rode towards Indian Head. Trail is recently re-paved and as beautiful a ride as before. The Lily-pads were gorgeous. It was definitely worth the drive out. Now if we can get a Braves win!¿¿¿
Avoid my mistake! Please read the reviews before you try this trail, which depending on what section you are on is a mixed bag of paved, single tracks, rocks, gravels, dirt, and exposed tree roots at . My number 1 complaint would be poorly marked sign. Sometimes the trail is just lost with no signs at all. I had to back track many places to find the signs. Even the signs are tiny with arrows in burgundy, not very visible. Why not bright red, yellow, or orange? Section in Fairfax City going south, starting at Jermantown Road is paved and the most beautiful once you get off the road at Pickett Road into the trail all the way to Springfield. Passing this point is Pohick, which I haven't got a chance to explore yet. Reading the reviews, I would expect as rough as the north section, which I tried over the weekend from W&OD entrance, passing through Reston, Vienna, and finally connects at Jermantown Road in Fairfax. To survive this section you need a hybrid bike at least, if not gravel or mountain bike. You are pretty much in the woods, following Difficult Run. Don't get hurt! Uber would not be able to find you in the woods. There are exposed tree roots, rocks, gravels, down trees, mud, and single track. Sometimes there is no bridge to cross the streams, no stepping stones either, so you would have to carry your bike skipping from rock to rock. I got fooled the previous weekend when I tried from Springfield to Fairfax and would expect the same in the north section. I have yet to explore the last northern section from W&OD to Great Falls and the southern most, from Pohick to the Occoquan. Now reading the reviews, I would expect as rough as the Reston section. Don't let the mileage mislead you. If you are in the rough sections, allow plenty of time as you don't want to get stuck in the woods in the dark. Notwithstanding the rough and poor signage, this trail is overall beautiful, wooded, nature bound with plenty to see. Enjoy!
If you’re looking to go biking, do not use Azealia Park. The trail is best fit for hiking not any kind of biking. If one person comes the opposite direction you will probably run into a tree because the trail is very thin.
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