The Story
The Mount Vernon Trail is an 18-mile multi-use path in Northern Virginia with fantastic views of Washington DC and Arlington, Virginia.
On April 15, 1972, the trail was born, thanks to the dedication of two Alexandria women, countless volunteers, and the National Park Service.
Before 1972, cyclists had to ride on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The environmental movement of the '60s and '70s pushed for biking as an eco-friendly option. On Sundays, one lane of the Parkway was dedicated for cyclists, but it wasn’t enough.
Momentum grew in 1971 with rallies and events calling for better biking infrastructure. Ellen Pickering and Barbara Lynch saw an opportunity.
Ellen and Barbara gathered over 700 signatures, pushing for a bike trail along the Parkway. With no funding but a promise from the National Park Service to provide the right-of-way, they rallied volunteers.
Families, kids, scouts, and even passing drivers pitched in. Through the winter, they spread gravel, laying the foundation for what would become a beloved trail.
By 1972, 4.5 miles of gravel trail connected Belle Haven Park to Memorial Bridge. Its popularity surged, leading to expansions funded by the National Park Service.
In 1973, the trail extended to Mount Vernon, thanks to funding and help from the U.S. Army Engineers. A few years later, it was paved, becoming a staple of the DC region.
Today, the Mount Vernon Trail hosts over one million pedestrians and bicyclists annually. Next time you enjoy this trail, remember that...!
