Arlington is for Runners

While you stay here in Arlington, there’s no need to give up your daily running routine!

Especially because Arlington has so many amazing trails, paths and streets with exciting sights around every corner.

Our friends at WalkArlington and Pacers Running Stores have joined us in bringing you the best running trails in the county.

WalkArlington’s website is loaded with all the information you need to plan your run. Their “Walkabouts” offer 20 different paths in different urban villages, and each Walkabout page had a detailed list of everything you need to know about the trail, including a general description of the landscape, length in miles, terrain, and how to access it car-free. There are even caption bubbles on every map that describe what you’ll see along the route.

Forgot your shoes? Not to worry! The pros at Pacers Running Stores in Clarendon can hook you up with the gear you need and answer any questions you have about running in Arlington. Here are some personal recommendations from the store manager of Pacers in Clarendon:

  • Looking for a track? The Washington-Lee High School track is open to the public before and after school hours and is lit late into the evening.
  • The high school is right by the Custis Trail, which offers great rolling hills.
  • For a smoother trail, try the W&OD, which was created on top of an old railroad line, so it has no dramatic inclines.
  • If you’re feeling really ambitious, try the Arlington Loop: The Custis Trail, W&OD, Four Mile Run, and Mt. Vernon Trail all linking together for a 17 miler. The trails naturally fade into one another, so the route is easy to navigate, but we still recommend Google-mapping it before you set off.

All of the trails in Arlington are designed for bikers and runners, so be sure to share the road. We know that running with music puts you in the zone, but just remember that when you’re running down busy streets like Clarendon Blvd. or Wilson Blvd., be alert and listen for bike and car horns.

One last thing to note is that runners are not allowed in Arlington National Cemetery, so please limit your visit to that hallowed site for non-athletic purposes. We know they have great hills but so do tons of other spots in Arlington, we promise!

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Courtney Cacatian

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Courtney Cacatian