W&OD Trail

Congratulations to Arlington County Virginia – Government for being named #1 in the 2026 American Fitness Index’s evaluation of the top 100 cities in the U.S! The Fitness Index provides a snapshot of how well cities support active lifestyles. Accessible parks, safe walking and biking infrastructure, and public transit systems help make physical activity part of daily life.

NOVA Parks supports healthy lifestyles in Arlington by offering options to walk, run, bike, climb, hike and swim to meet your fitness goals. Walk, run, or bike the paved W&OD Trail, which extends 45 miles to the northwest from Shirlington. Surround yourself in nature as you hike the wooded trails at Potomac Overlook Regional Park near Donaldson Run. Or, visit Upton Hill Regional Park near Ballston and challenge yourself on the vertical adventure at Climb UPton or swim laps at Ocean Dunes Waterpark.

For trail users in Arlington: Mobilization for Sparrow Pond maintenance work will begin this week and next, starting with installing construction fencing to separate the access path from the W&OD trail. Please exercise caution when in this area!

Sparrow Pond Restoration The Sparrow Pond restoration has restored pond depths for water quality and wildlife habitat, including ducks, turtles, frogs, and songbirds. The redesign also allows for easier maintenance access and more resilience in heavy storms.

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) has launched a proactive e-bike safety program aimed at addressing the growing number of community concerns about dangerous e-bike activity across the county — particularly by juveniles.

Full release: https://bit.ly/3SH0yPe

We had some company recently while cutting up a downed tree near the Loudoun County Fairgrounds! Despite its name and size, the Dark Fishing Spider is docile and often found away from water.

Our thanks to the Town of Vienna Police Department for helping to clarify regulations regarding e-bikes and their use on the trail and elsewhere!

Many of you have probably already noticed, but the unsightly safety structure under Clarke's Gap is no more!

Our thanks to Boy Scout Troop 997 and Cub Scout Pack 997 for helping to clean up the trail between Pacific Blvd and Ruritan Circle this past weekend!

A new roof for an old building: the Sunset Hills station in (what is now) Reston!

Thanks to everyone who came out Friday to celebrate Bike to Work Day with us at the Little Falls St stop in Falls Church!