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W&OD Trail
Address:
The W&OD Trail runs East/West through the northern part of the City with intersections at North Washington St., Little Falls St., Great Falls St., North Oak St., North Spring St., North West St., Grove Ave., and West Broad St.
Features:
- Paved Hike and Bike Trail
- Fitness Stations
- Equestrian Trail
About:
This 45 mile long paved trail runs from Shirlington, VA to Purcellville, VA. Once a railroad line, the Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) now provides a safe place for people to walk, skate, and bike. Equestrians can also enjoy the 32 mile gravel trail adjacent to the main W&OD trail. Also featured along the trail are several fitness stations and benches for people to rest and work-out. For the NOVA Parks W&OD Trail Website, click here.
History:
The Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) gets its name from the railroad that ran through Virginia from 1859 until 1968. The entrepreneurs who funded the line desired to bring coal from the Appalachian Mountains to Alexandria. However, their vision was not to be realized as less than a decade after it was built the Civil War broke out. The railroad was rebuilt after the war, but was mainly used as a passenger transport.
When the train ceased operation in 1968, the Virginia Electric and Power Company, now Dominion Power, bought the rights of use for the company's power lines. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) tried to acquire the use of the former railroad. In 1977, it was agreed that the NVRPA could purchase the rights in stages.
The first segment of the W&OD Trail was opened in 1974 in the City of Falls Church. The rest of the trail was bought in sections until it was completed in Purcellville in 1988.
- Friends of the Washington and Old Dominion Trail