There’s no better or more exhilarating way to get fit and enjoy being outside than jumping on your bike and heading off to speed along mountain bike paths like the ones around Alexandria, VA. So get ready for a day in the saddle on one of these trails; whether you’re new to mountain biking or a seasoned pro, there’s the perfect path out there for you.
1. Gerry Connolly Cross Country Trail
This trail is a great way to explore the whole of Fairfax County, as it runs for an impressive 40 miles all the way from Great Falls Park (which has an excellent trail system of its own), to the picturesque Occoquan River at its southern terminus.
One of the great things about this trail is that it mixes both heavily populated areas with sections where you’ll hardly know you’re in such a busy county. It’s a great idea for a day out, with lots of places along the route to stop for a drink or a bite to eat.
2. Cosca Park Trails
Located across the Potomac River near Clinton, MD, Cosca Park includes several twisting trails perfect for any ability. Newcomers should start with the shorter Blue Trail, a mostly paved loop that circumnavigates Cosca Park Lake and is perfect for beginners. It also serves as an access point to the other dirt trails in the park. Keep an eye out for walkers, as this route can get quite busy. Once you’ve warmed up with the Blue Trail, head on to the main dirt loop above.
The main trail includes some tight, winding turns as well as smooth and flowing sections. Start from the trailhead directly across from the park office driveway and follow the blue and orange blazes, crossing a powerline cut twice before turning right at the bridges to bring you onto the trail proper, with an uphill climb that then drops down over some rollers near the nature center. There are several different colors of blazes, so bring a map if you can.
3. Four Mile Run Trail
The Four Mile Run trail is, confusingly, only seven miles long. It follows the route of the Four Mile Run Stream from where it joins the Potomac River to Falls Church, on Wilson Boulevard. Despite running almost parallel to the route of the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad, Four Mile is significantly hillier, with some short, steep sections to watch out for. If you want to extend your ride, you can connect to the railroad trail just before you reach Wilson Boulevard, where the trail ends at the parking lot.
These are just a small selection of the great trails to try near Alexandria, but there are always more to discover. Need a new car to take you and your bike to the trailhead? We’ve got you covered! Simply visit us at Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria today, and we’ll be more than happy to help.
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