Waterfront Park – Mount Vernon Trail loop from King Street–Old Town
Waterfront Park – Mount Vernon Trail loop from King Street–Old Town
3.4
(22)
64
riders
Waterfront Park – Mount Vernon Trail loop from King Street–Old Town
02:55
48.7km
230m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 28, 2026
Tips
Includes movable bridges
Check opening times.
After 5.38 km for 168 m
After 9.33 km for 168 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
2.10 km
Waterfront Park
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
6.88 km
Eagle Sculpture at Rosalie Island Community Park
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7.44 km
Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.81 km
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
12.4 km
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
13.5 km
Mount Vernon Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
13.9 km
Wooden bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
25.6 km
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
44.9 km
Mount Vernon Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
48.7 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
28.9 km
9.26 km
8.11 km
1.88 km
466 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
31.4 km
15.3 km
892 m
685 m
450 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Sunday 12 July
29°C
22°C
52 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a touring cycling route that blends history, urban charm, and stunning river views, the Waterfront Park – Mount Vernon Trail loop from King Street–Old Town is definitely worth your time. This moderate 30.3-mile (48.7 km) ride, with 751 feet (229 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 2 hours and 54 minutes, making it an excellent choice for cyclists of all skill levels, including families, who want a rewarding day out without extreme challenges.
What to expect on Waterfront Park – Mount Vernon Trail loop from King Street–Old Town
This loop offers a dynamic journey along the Potomac River, starting from the historic King Street–Old Town area. You'll navigate through charming on-street sections of Old Town Alexandria, often following Union Street, before transitioning to the predominantly paved Mount Vernon Trail. The route continuously delivers breathtaking views of the Potomac, with panoramas of the Washington D.C. skyline and iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. Expect to cycle through diverse environments, from forested areas and wetlands, including an elevated boardwalk south of Reagan National Airport, to passing yacht clubs and the Washington Sailing Marina. While mostly flat, be prepared for a noticeable uphill climb in the final mile leading to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, and keep an eye out for tree root bumps on some well-maintained sections of the trail.
Planning your visit
Starting your ride from King Street–Old Town provides immediate access to the historic waterfront. While the trail through Old Town involves some on-street navigation, it's generally bicycle-friendly. The Mount Vernon Trail is highly popular, attracting many users, so consider an earlier start to enjoy a less crowded experience. Parking is available at various points along the trail, and several Metro stations are conveniently located nearby, making public transport a viable option. Bike rentals are also readily available in Alexandria if you don't bring your own.
Trail details
- Distance: 30.3 miles (48.7 km)
- Elevation gain: 751 feet (229 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 54 minutes
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