W&OD Trail

In a recent article featured on MDLinx and based on a study by U.S. News & World Report and the Aetna Foundation--Falls Church (#3) and Loudoun County (#4) were named the third and fourth healthiest communities in America.

The article specifically mentioned the W&OD Trail “which offers 45 miles of paved path that was once railroad line. The trail provides an endless expanse of area for visitors to walk, skate, and bike. Along the trail, there are numerous work-out stations and benches.”

To read the entire article: http://ow.ly/Xr2450rOtzJ

#HappinessHere #DiscoverWhatsNext #WODTrail #NOVAParks

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS--PRESERVING THE STORY OF AMERICA

NOVA Parks has always been excited to help preserve the history of Northern Virginia. In doing so, the Park Authority has become stewards of many historic and cultural sites in the region. Being able to use these assets as a teaching tool for park visitors is a great joy to NOVA Parks, because within the history that is passed on at these places is an even greater story - the story of America.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/8laO50rqCmK

#HappinessHere #DiscoverWhatsNext #60Years #NOVAParks

Spring on the trail in Reston...

VHB

At VHB, we’re passionate about #makingmeaningfulcontributions. This past Saturday, for #NationalVolunteerWeek, we picked up trash and litter at the WodTrail for #RTCOpeningDay in Arlington, VA. WalkArlington Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) NOVA Parks Arlington County Parks and Recreation

Just a reminder that the section of trail between Little Falls Rd and Lee Hwy in Arlington is now closed and the separate pedestrian and bicycle detours are in effect.

http://inside.transform66.org/about_the_project/trail_detours.asp?fbclid=IwAR1a_TjU3YKCalcBnel4OJDvZLTEiCpWh9NVjvm6ENRx4zR1gBsR2BLNtHc

THROWBACK THURSDAY—NOVA PARKS—A VERY HISTORIC MILL

In 2006, Aldie Mill became the 20th park in the NOVA Parks system. The 200-year old mill processed grain using the waters of the Little River, and it is one of the best-preserved mills in the entire Mid-Atlantic region. Prior to NOVA Parks’ ownership, the mill was owned by the Virginia Outdoor Foundation (VOF) and restored with a generous gift from the Mellon family.

For the complete story: https://www.novaparks.com/about/nova-blog

#HappinessHere #DiscoverWhatsNext #60years

66 Inside the Beltway - About the Project - W&OD Trail Bridge

Please be aware that as of this Friday, April 19th, there will be a new traffic pattern along the trail near Lee Hwy in Arlington. Detours will be in effect until the fall of 2020 as construction on the Lee Hwy overpass continues.

http://inside.transform66.org/about_the_project/trail_detours.asp

inside.transform66.org

Our thanks to the many volunteers who helped make the trail beautiful on Opening Day for Trails!

Getting setup for the Opening Day for Trails event here at Barcroft Community Center.

Ashburn Village Neighbors

#TBT Aerial view of Ashburn, facing south along Ashburn Road, circa 1945*.

[ * Post update: Several observant people noticed that the train station is not present in the photo. Since the station was demolished in 1969, this photo was taken sometime afterwards.]

W&OD Trail

THROWBACK THURSDAY--NOVA PARKS--ow, row, row your boat...

During the 1960’s, NOVA Parks acquired over 20 miles of river frontage on the Bull Run & Occoquan, including the Occoquan reservoir. This block of over 5,000 acres protects the source of drinking water for over 1 million people in Northern Virginia. With control of so much shoreline, recreational uses were needed that were also compatible with the conservation goals. One of those uses was scholastic rowing.

To read the complete story please visit: http://ow.ly/5X2H50pLMBc

#HappinessHere #DiscoverWhatsNext #60Years #NOVAParks

The warm weather is getting all kinds of trail user in an active frame of mind. New Year's resolution: burn off that last big meal of 2018!

W&OD Trail

Some spring sights from the east side of Leesburg...

Throwback Thursday--The Power Plant That Never Was.

The story of Algonkian Regional Park may be one of fate or simply just one of luck. However one may think of it is up to them because in the end the park itself is simply a great gift to the Northern Virginia region. The park spans 838 acres next to the Potomac River, a swath of land that was once set aside for a coal burning power plant.

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/IK3A50oZUzq

#HappinessHere #DiscoverWhatsNext #60Years #NOVAParks

Our staff has begun de-winterizing water fountains along the trail. Currently working fountains include those at: MM0 in Shirlington, Wedderburn near Cedar Lane in Vienna, Buckthorn Lane in Reston, Lawson Road on the east side of Leesburg, and the one at Smiths Switch Rd in Ashburn.

During his travels, a member of our staff snapped these photos of another Rails-to-Trails park, the High Line in New York City!

The W&OD Trail is partnering with Arlington County, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, Rails to Trails Conservancy, and Walk Arlington for the "Opening Day for Trails" event on Saturday, April 13th. For more information check out the following link:
http://ow.ly/nLEX50oKTGO

#HappinessHere #DiscoverWhatsNext #WODTrail #NOVAParks

Four Mile Run bridge along the W&OD Railroad in Arlington (present day Glen Carlyn Park) in 1958. Photo courtesy of David Marcham.

Events | Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

A quick FYI that we're partnering with Arlington County, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, Rails to Trails Conservancy, and Walk Arlington for the "Opening Day for Trails" event on Saturday, April 13th. For more information check out the following link:

https://www.railstotrails.org/experience-trails/opening-day-for-trails/opening-day-events/

Looking forward to a GREAT day!! 😎😎😎

railstotrails.org

Some brave runners getting ready for the Friends of the W&OD Trail 5k run at Bluemont Park.

Oh deer! This was a herd of 9 deer crossing the W&OD at MM3.

Thank you Duane Gabor for the photos!

Arlington Historical Society

On this day in Arlington history: January 16, 1860. The Alexandria, Loudoun, and Hampshire (AL&H) Railroad is running and here is the schedule. The railroad departed Alexandria at 10:00 AM and stopped at Arlington Mills at 10:15 and Carlinville (the future Glencarlyn) at 10:25.
Construction of the AL&H railroad began in 1855. The line was initially intended to cross the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River to reach the coal fields in the western part of Hampshire County, Virginia, that are now part of West Virginia, By 1859, the line began operating to Vienna from a terminal station near Princess and Fairfax Streets in old town Alexandria. In 1860, the AL&H reached Leesburg in Loudoun County. This schedule could be marking that opening. The rail line saw much use and much disruption during the Civil War. After the war, the name of the line was changed in 1870 to the Washington and Ohio Railroad and extended from Leesburg to Hamilton in 1870 and to Round Hill in 1874.

Visit Loudoun

We'll meet you on the path your dreams lead you down ✨ #LoveLoudoun
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Stumble upon inspiration as you wander along the W&OD Trail — a 45-mile stretch perfect for walking, dancing, and taking flight... 🌬☂🌙

📸: Ayda June

Thanks to Reston Runners for helping keep their section of the trail beautiful!

The magic of sun and snowblowers!

2019 W&OD Trail 5K, in memory of Walter L. Mess and Roger Neighborgall

We all know snow is in the forecast, but check out this event in March: https://www.active.com/arlington-va/running/trail-run/w-and-od-trail-5k-in-memory-of-walter-l-mess-and-roger-neighborgall-2019

active.com Commemorates The 59th anniversary of the founding of NOVA Parks (formerly Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) The 45th anniversary of the opening of W&OD Trail on September 7, 1974 March 28, 2012 -- "Walter Mess Plaza Dedicated on W&OD Trail at Lively Ceremony" -- in Falls Church News Press M...

Thanks to everyone that came out today for a (pre-)spring clean-up of the trail near MM0 in Shirlington! Among the eager participants were: Members of the Friends of the W&OD Trail; members of the W&OD Trail Bike Patrol; local Scouts; concerned members of the public; Henry Dunbar of BikeArlington; Emily Gauge of Phoenix Bikes and her daughter; and Kelley Westenhoff of the Reston Bicycle Club, who helped get the word out and lent a hand the day of. Thanks to all of you from the W&OD Trail!

NOVA Parks

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love is always in the air in Leesburg at the Velo Love sculpture.

The Velo Love sculpture can be found in Leesburg, VA, across Harrison Street and next to the W&OD Trail. The sculpture is made of recycled bicycle parts donated by local bicycle shops.

#HappinessHere #DiscoverWhatsNext #WODTrail #NOVAParks

THROWBACK THRUSDAY--THE W&OD Trail

The Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad Regional Park is one of NOVA Parks greatest assets.

It’s been 45 years since the opening of the first section of the trail. Did you know the W&OD Trail was just 1.5 miles long when it opened in 1974?

For the complete story: http://ow.ly/mkbw30nGSzU

#HappinessHere #DiscoverWhatsNext #60Years #WandODTrail #NOVAParks

Four Mile Run Stream Repair - Projects & Planning

Just a note on upcoming work on the W&OD Trail in Arlington starting on or around Monday, February 11, 2019. Here is the link with details:
https://projects.arlingtonva.us/projects/four-mile-run-stream-repair/

projects.arlingtonva.us Four Mile Run Stream Repair StatusConstructionAbout the ProjectSevere stream erosion has threatened the W&OD trail near N. Madison Street. The County will be completing an emergency stream and trail stabilization project. Four Mile Run Stream Erosion Threatening the Trail near N. Madison St. Constru...

Our stalwart Trail Patrol members enjoying a well-earned dinner at their annual meeting at The Woodlands at Algonkian...

Snowblower

The western half of the trail now joins the eastern half in being cleared of snow. Until the next time...

As of noon today, our westbound blower had reached the Loudoun County Fairground...

It's the end of the workday and the trail from MM 0 in Shirlington, east to Smiths Switch Rd in Ashburn, has been blown. Tomorrow, the west side...

[01/14/19]   Just an update: Our westbound blower is nearing the Beltway and our eastbound blower is east of Hunter Mill Rd, making its way toward Vienna.

Snow-blowing in progress..

[01/14/19]   Snow-clearing update: Our crews are currently working the east side of the trail, with one blower having worked from Falls Church east to MM 0 in Shirlington and another having cleared from Smiths Switch Rd in Ashburn east to Reston. The east-most blower is now headed west to meet up with the blower passing through Reston.

As everyone knows snow is forecast for this weekend. Our park maintenance staff is out pretreating the trail. As of 10:30 am this morning we've gone from mile marker 0 in Shirlington out to mile marker 6 in Falls Church. Stay safe and stay warm! 😀😎

Announcements & Financials

Details of a February 7th public hearing concerning the use of electrically assisted bikes in NOVA Parks parks and Fairfax County...

https://www.novaparks.com/about/press-releases-financials

novaparks.com Public Hearing Scheduled on E-Bike Use on Park Trails A public hearing will be held in Lorton, Va., on Thursday, February 7, 2019, on proposed changes to regulations on the use of Electrically Assisted Bicycles, or e-bikes, in Fairfax County and NOVA Parks.The hearing will cover proposed changes to....

Happy Holidays from the staff of the W&OD Trail!

Enjoy the new and improved view of the Fannie Mae pond near Old Reston Ave in Reston!

You’re invited to our annual fundraising event!
Come support the NOVA Parks Outdoor Kids Fund and Potomac Overlook Regional Park in this formal gathering.
Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Donations will be accepted. No reservations required.
#HappinessHere #DiscoverWhatsNext
#NOVAKids #NOVAParks

Our thanks to the Reston Runners Club for helping to keep the trail looking beautiful!

You’re invited to our annual fundraising event!

Come support the NOVA Parks Outdoor Kids Fund and Potomac Overlook Regional Park in this formal gathering.

Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Donations will be accepted. No reservations required.

#HappinessHere #DiscoverWhatsNext
#NOVAKids #NOVAParks