Herndon in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
This is W&OD Trail: Herndon!

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 2, 2018
1. Front of This is W&OD Trail: Herndon! Marker
The 100-ft wide W&OD has been called "the skinniest park" in Virginia. But it is also one of the longest parks, 45 miles of paved trail for walking, running, cycling and skating and more. Built on the roadbed of the former Washington & Old Dominion Railroad, the multi-use trail runs through the urban heartland and countryside of Northern Virginia. Snaking its way through the heart of the region, the W&OD has end points in Shirlington in Arlington County, and Purcellville, 45 miles away in Loudoun County.
The first section of the W&OD opened in Falls Church dedicated in 1974 by then-mayor Harold Miller. The trail was completed in 1988.
Equestrian Trail
www.nvpra.org/park/w_od_railroad | 703-729-0596
Along the 45 miles of paved railroad that comprises the W&OD are an additional 32 miles of adjacent gravel trail for horseback riding. The equestrian trail goes over hills and through shallow streams, offering a pleasant challenge for horseback riders and some of the longest consecutive trail spaces for horses in Northern Virginia.
History on the W&OD
www.novaparks.com/parks/washington-and-old-dominion-railroad-regional-park | 703-729-0596
Once known as the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad, the W&OD was once considered vital following its inception in 1847. Its primary goal was to spread commerce from the Alexandria seaport inland to points in Loudoun County. While that particular line of commerce never truly developed, it's interesting to see where its tracks would and where the trail runs today through the towns of what are now Arlington, Falls Church, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Leesburg and Purcellville all key economic sites in modern Northern Virginia.
Rare Vantage Points
www.nvrpa.org/park/w_od_railroad | 703-729-0596
Because of the W&OD's route, there are several vantage points unparalleled in Northern Virginia. The trail crosses directly over the capital beltway, crosses route 66 at two different places, as well as across route 7 near Leesburg. In addition, the trail abuts against a Luckstone Quarry between Leesburg and Purcelville, offering a breathtaking view rarely observed in the region.
Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority
About NOVA Parks
Comprised of six jurisdictions across Northern Virginia, NOVA Parks is

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 2, 2018
2. Reverse of This is W&OD Trail: Herndon! Marker
But remember, this kiosk is just a small glimpse inside this exciting park agency. Scan the code to visit us online at www.novaparks.com.
5.8 miles away
Algonkian Regional Park
From the waterpark to the golf course, discover 838 acres of outdoor adventure at Algonkian Regional Park, located in Sterling Virginia.
6.02 miles away
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Explore landscaped gardens, a restored 18th Century log cabin, and our Korean Bell Garden at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna.
6.41 miles away
Seneca Regional Park
Explore
W&OD Trail:
Herndon Regional Park
More on reverse side
8.30 miles away
Beaverdam Reservoir
Enjoy kayaking, fishing and waterfront hiking at Beaverdam Reservoir Park in Ashburn, Virginia.
8.46 miles away
Brambleton Golf Course
Enjoy a round of 18 holes of golf at scenic Brambleton Regional Park, located in Ashburn, Virginia.
11.98 miles away
Bull Run Regional Park
Explore 1,500 acres of adventure, including a waterpark, campground, playground and a variety of festivals at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville Virginia.
Erected by Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1974.
Location. 38° 58.241′ N, 77° 23.173′ W. Marker is in Herndon, Virginia, in Fairfax County. It can be reached from Lynn Street north of Station Street, on
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: In Memory of George Moore (a few steps from this marker); The W&OD Railway and Jim Crow Laws (a few steps from this marker); Southern Railway Whistle Post (a few steps from this marker); Herndon Station Raid (within shouting distance of this marker); Herndon Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Tracks Into History (within shouting distance of this marker); Herndon Blacksmith Shops (within shouting distance of this marker); Acetylene Gas Generating Station (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Herndon.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Mosbys Herndon Station Raid (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,931 times since then and 109 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 2, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.

