Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Trail
About
The Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Trail in Herndon offers 45 miles of smooth, paved pathway perfect for family biking adventures, stroller walks, and beginner cyclists. This converted rail trail features gentle grades and multiple access points throughout Herndon, making it easy to customize your outing based on your kids' energy levels and abilities.
Highlights
- ✓Smooth, traffic-free paved surface perfect for training wheels and beginner bikers
- ✓Scenic tree-lined sections providing shade on warm days
- ✓Historic Herndon Depot with vintage caboose at the trailhead
- ✓Mile markers that help kids feel accomplished as they track their distance
- ✓Wildlife spotting opportunities including birds, squirrels, and occasional deer
Pro Tips
- 1.Park at the Herndon Depot Museum (717 Lynn Street) for convenient trail access plus restrooms and a fun historic train caboose the kids can explore
- 2.Bike rentals are available at several shops near the trail if you don't have enough bikes for the whole family
- 3.Bring sidewalk chalk to mark your turnaround point so younger kids can see their progress on the return trip
- 4.The trail can get crowded on weekend afternoons,visit weekday mornings or early Saturday for a more relaxed experience
- 5.Download a trail map beforehand as the mile markers help kids track their accomplishment and plan snack stops
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures, with gorgeous foliage in October. Weekday mornings are least crowded, while Saturday and Sunday mornings (8-10am) provide a fun community atmosphere without the midday crowds.
What to Know
The trail is completely free to use with multiple free parking areas throughout Herndon. Restrooms are available at the Herndon Depot and certain parks along the route, though facilities can be limited in some sections.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round from dawn to dusk. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers along the trail edges, while fall offers stunning foliage. Summer can be hot, so visit early morning or evening. The trail is plowed in winter but can be icy,check conditions before visiting with kids during cold months.
Nearby Eats
Jimmy's Old Town Tavern offers a casual family atmosphere with burgers and pizza just minutes from the trail. For a quick post-ride treat, stop by Dairy Godmother for frozen custard or Amphora Diner for all-day breakfast favorites.
More Activities Near Herndon
Chandon Park
Chandon Park offers a peaceful neighborhood escape in Herndon where families can enjoy quality outdoor time without the overwhelming crowds of larger parks. With well-maintained playground equipment, scenic walking paths, and plenty of open green space for impromptu games, it's an ideal spot for a relaxed morning outing or afternoon play session.
Arts Herndon
Arts Herndon is a welcoming community art center where creativity comes alive for the whole family. With hands-on workshops, rotating exhibitions, and art classes designed for all skill levels, it's the perfect place to nurture your child's artistic side while exploring works by local artists in a relaxed, family-friendly gallery setting.
Runnymede Park
Runnymede Park is a spacious community gem in Herndon that truly has something for every family member. With multiple playgrounds, extensive walking trails winding through beautiful wooded areas, tennis courts, and open athletic fields, it's the perfect spot for families who want both active play and nature exploration all in one location.
Bready Park
Bready Park is a beloved Herndon neighborhood gem that offers everything families need for an active outdoor day. With its modern playground equipment suitable for multiple ages, basketball courts for energetic teens, and spacious picnic pavilions perfect for birthday parties or family gatherings, this park consistently earns praise from local parents for being clean, well-maintained, and engaging for kids of all ages.