Running and Biking in Arlington: The Mount Vernon Trail

I'm living in Arlington, and I like to run when I can to keep in shape.  When I have the time and the sunlight, it is nice to take the time to get off of the streets and sidewalks, and onto the trails.  One such trail is the Mount Vernon trail.  This is an 18 mile trail, running from Arlington (in Rosslyn) to Mount Vernon.  The trail also has easy access points near the Arlington Cemetery, Reagan National Airport, and Braddock Road.

The trail is heavily used for bicycling (so if that's what you're after, it should be a great, mostly flat ride!)  So far I've only used it for running, but the trip along the Potomac river gives some wonderful views of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Capitol, and Thomas Jefferson Memorial.  The trail goes right by Reagan National airport, within easy walking distance of Arlington Cemetery, and through Old Town Alexandria too!

An additional bonus is Theodore Roosevelt Island, which is at the trail head in Arlington.  A short, pedestrian only bridge (no bikes) will bring you over to a wooded island with a couple miles of walking/running trails, and a monument for Theodore Roosevelt.

The picture above is a view from the Mt. Vernon Trail of the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument from across the Potomac.