Field guide
Mount Vernon Trail: Parking, access, and running info
Find official information for running or hiking the Mount Vernon Trail. This guide covers parking locations, operating hours, Metro access, and trail rules.
The Mount Vernon Trail is an 18-mile paved, multi-use path that runs from George Washington's Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island. It connects Fairfax County, the City of Alexandria, and Arlington County.
This page provides official information for runners and hikers about the trail's route, operating hours, parking, public transit access, and rules.
Official facts at a glance
- Type of trail
- Multi-use trail
- Trail endpoints
- Stretches from George Washington's Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island
- Links counties and city
- Links Fairfax County and the City of Alexandria, to Arlington County and major Potomac River bridge crossings into the District of Columbia
- Trail length
- 18 miles
- Trail surface
- Paved
- Operating hours
- Year-round from 6 am to 10 pm
- Permit requirement
- Commercial activities and activities by organized groups, including trail walks and runs, require a permit
- Parking availability
- Available at every site along the trail except Lady Bird Johnson Park and the Navy-Marine Memorial
- Metro access
- Short ride or walk from Arlington Cemetery, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Rosslyn Metro stations
- Restroom information
- Restrooms can be found along the trail (see trail map)
- Drinking water information
- Water fountains can be found along the trail (see trail map)
- Commuter hours
- Commuters may use the trail at any time
- Prohibited vehicles
- Motorized vehicles, including skateboards, bicycles, scooters, and Segways are not allowed
- Views
- Uninterrupted views of Washington, D.C.'s skyline
Source: Mount Vernon Trail (nps.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The trail route and surface
The Mount Vernon Trail is an 18-mile paved path. As a multi-use trail, it is shared by different types of users.
The trail extends from George Washington's Mount Vernon to Theodore Roosevelt Island. It offers uninterrupted views of the Washington, D.C. skyline and links to major Potomac River bridge crossings.
Hours, parking, and public transit
The trail is open year-round from 6 am to 10 pm. Commuters have access to the trail at any time.
Parking is available at most sites along the trail. It is not available at Lady Bird Johnson Park or the Navy-Marine Memorial. The trail is also a short walk or ride from the Rosslyn, Arlington Cemetery, and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Metro stations.
Rules and facilities on the trail
Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail. This prohibition includes motorized skateboards, bicycles, scooters, and Segways.
Restrooms and water fountains can be found at points along the trail. Refer to an official trail map for specific locations.
Before you go
- Check the trail's operating hours of 6 am to 10 pm before an early morning or late evening run.
- Confirm parking availability at your intended starting point, as it is not offered at Lady Bird Johnson Park or the Navy-Marine Memorial.
- Organized group runs or walks require a permit.
- Motorized vehicles, including electric scooters and bicycles, are not permitted on the trail.
- Consult a trail map for the locations of restrooms and water fountains.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Washington, DC. All cities: City running and hiking guides.