Explore the best rated trails in Montclair, VA. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Metropolitan Branch Trail and Meadowlark Connector Trail. With more than 96 trails covering 4488 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.
It’s a fun trail, but the only issue is it’s busy & gets very slippery by the entrance with all the debri from the plants.
In the last week of October 2022, while heading to N. VA. to attend a hobby show,
I decided to bring along the bike to sample some bike trails along the way.
First stop was the Cardinal Greenway. Next I transited to N.VA via Ohio, Pennsylvania,
W. Va & Maryland. Oct 27 2022, I took My first ride on the "Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
National Historical Park" towpath (here after 'C&O'). By comparison to other trails I've
done, this trail is packed gravel, so a change of wheels/tires was in order. The surface
reminded Me of the Forest Service roads at De Soto NF, so I felt right at home. My start
point was Carderock Recreation Area. The access road actually goes through a tunnel
'under' the canal & towpath! This is milepost 10.5. From there I went west toward mp 16.6,
Swain Lock (lock 21). On the way you will encounter 'the Great Falls' of the Potomac. Stop
and check out the walkway to the Olmsted Island & Falls Overlook. Spectacular, and this is
just 10 miles west of Wasington DC! I then visited the Great Falls Tavern Visitors Center, then
returned to Carderock for lunch. After a break, I headed east getting as far as mp 7 (lock 7),
before returning to Carderock. I was running out of time, & decided to save the rest of the
east leg for another day. [21 miles total, and lots of sightseeing!]
After visiting the 24th "International Paper Modelers' Convention" 2022 (the point of the road trip)
on Sunday, Oct. 30th, I decided to Return to the 'C&O', and complete the eastern leg. Starting at
the Lock 8 parking area, walking the bike down a flight of 'stairs', I started the ride at mp 8.3 in the
Seven Locks area, heading east. Soon encountered the Capital Cresent trail, which crosses the C&O
on an old railway bridge, then runs parallel into the city. Just for comparison, I rode the Cresent, which
is asphalt, into town, and the C&O out. With a brief hour of sightseeing by bike around the National Mall
(because I was there) then back to the start. 3 hrs/22 miles. Will return again, as this was just a recon
ride [the whole C&O is 184.5 miles] I only scratched the surface!
This is a good city trail to get off the main road and cut through to enjoy some nature.
This is a quaint trail that goes past some cute neighborhoods. I'd drive down there and ride it again.
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
Great first 5 miler hiking trail for Cub & Boy Scouts who want to complete hiking requirements. Cub Scouts should start at Route 619 and Linton Hall Road. The hike will be less strenuously in a way because it is more of a downhill hike in nature. There's also a ice cream store in the shopping area at the end of the hike. Boy Scouts should make the hike starting at Route 29 (Nokesville Road) and Linton Hall Road for conditioning purposes.
Nice wide hiking/walking/bicycle path. Four lane traffic roadway with lights.
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.
I walked this trail 10/7/2022, and it was amazing! I went as soon as I got off work to clear my head and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. There are very scenic views of Lake Bernard Frank as well as wildlife and foliage. Trail is well maintained. There were courteous cyclists who warned they were near, as well as kids stopping by the lake to enjoy a packed lunch. I suggest walking this trail to clear your head and get some steps in!
This trail is the worst trail I’ve ever ridden! Tree root exposed, pot holes, misdirected signage and not to mention an uphill climb for 5 miles 1800 feet elevation! My bike had to be taken to the shop for maintenance after riding due to the trail quality. I do not recommend this trail to anyone!!!
Deep, sloshy, watery mud track; not even a trail. What a shame the National Park hasn’t improved this area. The GAP trail going northwest toward Pittsburgh is a dream to ride.
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