This is W&OD Trail: Shirlington!

This is W&OD Trail: Shirlington!. . , 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 and 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.nvrpa.org/park/w_od_railroad | 703-729-0596, Along the 45 miles of paved trail 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 Alexanria, 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 wound 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 Purcellville, offering a breathtaking view rarely observed in the region., About Nova Parks, Comprised of six jurisdictions across Northern Virginia, NOVA Parks is a park agency unlike any others, a unique combination of conservation and entrepreneurship, urban and rural, cutting-edge technology and history. NOVA Parks' offerings reflect all of this: For every waterpark, there are large wide open spaces for picnicking, relaxing or just general reflecting. For every golf course, there are thousands of acres of trees and protected waterfront. NOVA Parks owns historic property in the middle of a bustling urban center, a 45-mile long paved bike trail that bisects the entire region, and a full-scale skeet and trap shooting center., 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., Explore Your Region. , 2.85 miles away , Cameron Run Regional Park , Spend the day at Great Waves Waterpark, mini golf or fishing piers at Cameron Run Regional Park, located in Alexandria., 3.58 miles away , Upton Hill Regional Park , Make a day of it at Upton Hill Regional Park. Stay cool at the waterpark, play mini golf or set the kids loose at the playground, all in Arlington., 3.6 miles away , Carlyle House Historic Park , Encounter Alexandria's history at Carlyle House Historic Park, an 18th Century Palladin-style home built by John Carlyle., 4.87 miles away , Potomac Overlook Regional Park , Hike miles of trails and learn about the natural world at the Energium and Nature Center., 5.37 miles away , Tinner Hill Historic Site , Explore Northern Virginia's African American history at the site of Joseph Tinner's former house, a key location in the fight for African American civil rights., 9.96 miles away , Gateway Regional Park , Catch your breath at Gateway Regional Park, a one-acre rest stop on Northern Virginia's W&OD/City of Fairfax Connector Trail.