Mount Vernon Trail, Alexandria

Name: Mount Vernon Trail
Address: Along Shoreline, Alexandria, United States

#1 among attractions in Alexandria

Cycling, Bike trail, Bike path, Outdoor activities, More...

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / Public Domain / English: Victoria Stauffenberg / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC0 / Bobco85 / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Victoria Stauffenberg / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Victoria Stauffenberg / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC0 / Bobco85 / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Victoria Stauffenberg / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / Public domain / Victoria Stauffenberg / URL

Facts and practical information

The Mount Vernon Trail is a cherished pathway offering both locals and tourists in Alexandria, Virginia, a scenic escape into nature and history. This multi-use trail stretches for 18 miles along the Potomac River's western bank, providing a continuous route from George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate to Theodore Roosevelt Island.

Ideal for cyclists, joggers, and walkers, the Mount Vernon Trail boasts picturesque views of Washington D.C.'s iconic landmarks, including the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. The trail is paved, making it accessible for users of all ages and abilities, and it features mile markers and interpretive signage that enrich the experience with historical context and environmental education.

The trail is not only a recreational asset but also a commuter's delight, offering a car-free route for those looking to travel by bike or foot between residential areas and key employment centers. Along the way, rest stops with benches and picnic areas provide spots for relaxation and reflection, while numerous access points allow for convenient entry and exit.

Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the trail's proximity to Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve and other natural habitats where birds and other fauna can be observed. Additionally, the trail connects to several other regional trails, expanding the opportunities for longer adventures.

Elevation: 7 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°42'36"N, 77°3'44"W

Address

Along ShorelineFort HuntAlexandria United States

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Day trips

Mount Vernon Trail – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: The Capital Wheel, Mount Vernon, Gunston Hall, George Washington's Gristmill.

5.7 miNE
Amusement, Game and entertainment center, Theme park
The Capital Wheel, National Harbor
146 min walk • Rising gracefully above the waterfront of National Harbor, The Capital Wheel is a modern marvel that offers breathtaking views of the Potomac River, along with the surrounding Prince George's County, Maryland. This towering Ferris wheel stands as a majestic fixture in...
1.4 miW
Restored estate of the first president
Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon
37 min walk • Mount Vernon, nestled in the heart of Virginia, is more than just a historical landmark—it's a journey into the life and legacy of one of America's founding fathers, George Washington. This well-preserved estate, situated along the banks of the Potomac River, offers...
6.2 miSW
Historical place, Georgian architecture, History museum
Gunston Hall, Lorton
158 min walk • Gunston Hall is an 18th-century Georgian mansion near the Potomac River in Mason Neck, Virginia, United States. Built between 1755 and 1759 as the main residence and headquarters of a 5,500-acre plantation, the house was the home of the United States Founding Father George Mason.
3.7 miW
Museum, Historical place, History museum
George Washington's Gristmill, Mount Vernon
94 min walk • George Washington's Gristmill was part of the original Mount Vernon plantation, constructed during the lifetime of the United States' first president.
5.7 miNE
Sculpture, Monuments and statues
The Awakening Sculpture, National Harbor
146 min walk • The Awakening is a 72-foot statue by J. Seward Johnson, Jr. that depicts a giant embedded in the earth, struggling to free himself. It is located at National Harbor in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, just outside the District of Columbia.
5.7 miN
Lighthouse, View point, Vernacular architecture
Jones Point Light, Alexandria
145 min walk • The Jones Point Light is a small river lighthouse located on the Potomac River in Alexandria, Virginia. It was built in 1855. It is a small, one-story house with a lantern on top and served primarily as a warning light for naval ships approaching the Washington Navy Yard.
4 miW
Museum, History museum, Historical place
Pope–Leighey House, Alexandria
103 min walk • The Pope–Leighey House, formerly known as the Loren Pope Residence, is a suburban home in Virginia designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The house, which belongs to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has been relocated twice and sits on the grounds of Woodlawn Plantation, Alexandria, Virginia.
2.4 miN
Botanical garden, Garden, Historical place
River Farm, Alexandria
62 min walk • River Farm, currently home to the American Horticultural Society headquarters, is a landscape located at 7931 East Boulevard Drive, Alexandria, Virginia.
5.7 miNE
Children's museum, Museum
National Children's Museum, National Harbor
146 min walk • The National Children’s Museum is a children's museum and science center in downtown Washington, D.C. It is intended to serve children up to age 12 and their families through interactive exhibits exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
5 miN
Park
Fort Willard, Alexandria
129 min walk • Fort Willard is a former Union Army installation now located in the Belle Haven area of Fairfax County in the U.S. state of Virginia. It is currently undergoing preservation treatment to protect its earthen walls and trenches.
1.4 miW
Library
Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington, Alexandria
36 min walk • The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon is the presidential library of George Washington, the first president of the United States.