As Bike Month ends, bicyclists, walkers, runners, and commuters across Northern Virginia have a new reason to celebrate.
NOVA Parks has officially expanded and standardized operating hours for the entire 45-mile Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail. Effective immediately, the trail will be open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Arlington all the way to Purcellville.
According to a May 29 report by FFXNow, the change was approved by the NOVA Parks Board of Directors on May 21 and extends the operating hours that had long been in place on the eastern portion of the trail. Previously, the section west of Herndon through Loudoun County officially operated from dawn to dusk.
NOVA Parks said the change responds to frequent requests from commuters and trail users and better reflects how the trail is used. The new policy also eliminates confusion created by different operating hours in different jurisdictions.
For many users, the change simply formalizes existing travel patterns. The W&OD Trail serves not only as one of the region’s premier recreational amenities but also as an important transportation corridor used by thousands of people commuting to work, school, shopping, and transit connections. Earlier opening and later closing hours provide greater flexibility for commuters, especially during the winter months when daylight is limited.
The move follows broader discussions by NOVA Parks about trail safety, operations, and future improvements. According to FFXNow, park officials are also examining topics such as enhanced lighting, speed management, expanded Trail Patrol coordination, and the possible expansion of the W&OD’s successful dual-trails concept, which separates cyclists and pedestrians in high-use areas.
The board also approved funding for invasive species management, native tree and shrub plantings along the trail, and an update to the agency’s long-range strategic plan.
Since opening in 1974, the W&OD Trail has become one of Northern Virginia’s most treasured public assets, attracting more than 2 million users annually. Standardizing operating hours across the entire corridor is a practical improvement that supports recreation, active transportation, and safer trip planning for everyone who relies on the trail.
As Bike Month concludes, this announcement is a welcome reminder of the importance of continuing to invest in the trails and facilities that make bicycling a viable and enjoyable transportation option throughout our region.
