The W&OD trail's "inside-the-beltway" section runs from the Dunn Loring Area to the Mile 0 terminus, located just west of I-395 at the intersection of Glebe and Four Mile Run (just north of the Village of Shirlington Shopping Center).

Map of W&OD

W&OD Trail Mile 0 thru 10

At mile 8.5 the W&OD leaves the the Dunn Loring area and crosses over the D.C. Beltway just north of the I-66 interchange. The trail then heads east toward Route 7. Use extra caution crossing Shreve Road, which is located half way between the Route 7 and I-66 overpasses. The formally bad Route 7 crossing now has a really nice overpass in place. The trail then continues for a couple of miles through the Falls Church area. After crossing Route 29, the trail passes by the East Falls Church Metro Station. Here, the trail momentarily enters some residential streets in order to wind around the Metro Station.

Detail of Shirlington Area

Detail of Shirlington Area

At mile 4.0, the W&OD intersects with the Custis Trail. The Custis Trail, which continues along I-66, provides a very important 4 mile connection between the W&OD and the main business centers of Rosslyn and Downtown DC. Although the Custis trail has practically no grade crossing, it is narrow and winding with a couple of hill climbs.

The W&OD trail's eastern most 4 miles parallels the older Four Mile Run Trail (makes sense). The W&OD ends just west of I-395, near the Village of Shirlington. However, bicyclist can continue east by using the pedestrian overpass located about 2 blocks south of the trail head. Some on-street riding is required in order to rejoin the Four Mile Run Trail. This trail ends at the Mount Vernon Trail, just south of National Airport.

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Food

  • Mile 0.0 - Many Restaurants, south of trail in Village of Shirlington Shopping Center.
  • Mile 7.0 - Several Fast Food places along Route 7.

Metro Stations

  • Mile 5.0 - East Falls Church, next to trail.
  • Custis Trail - Several Orange Line Stations, a few blocks south of trail.

Connecting Bike Rides: