Mount Vernon Trail Bike Ride to Old Town Alexandria

The Mount Vernon Trail is a paved multi-use path that follows the Virginia bank of the Potomac River from the Theodore Roosevelt Island trailhead in Washington, DC, south through Arlington and Alexandria to George Washington's Mount Vernon estate, in the United States. Most visitors ride the stretch to Old Town Alexandria, about 12 miles round trip, passing Reagan National Airport, Gravelly Point and the Alexandria waterfront, with long views back toward the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. Strong riders can continue to Mount Vernon, a 36-mile round trip that takes five to six hours. The route is mostly flat with some short climbs and narrow sections, and it requires basic cycling fitness; the full Mount Vernon ride calls for solid endurance. Riders should be comfortable on a shared path with joggers, walkers and faster cyclists. There are no formal age limits on the path itself, but young children should ride with an adult. The activity is self-guided, so riders supply their own bike or rent one in Georgetown or use Capital Bikeshare. Equipment to bring includes a helmet, lights if riding after dusk, water, snacks and a lock for stops in Old Town. There is no briefing or rescue service, so riders should carry a phone, a spare tube and a repair kit, and know that help in an emergency comes from local services by calling 911. Surfaces near the river can flood after heavy rain, and sections near the airport are noisy but well signed. Costs are modest: free on a personal bike, roughly $8 to $10 for a Bikeshare day pass or about $35 to $50 for a rented hybrid bike, and shops such as Revolution Cycles can be reached at +1-202-965-3601. The trail is usable year-round, but spring and fall offer the best temperatures and light. Conditions to avoid include midsummer heat, icy winter mornings, and weekend afternoons when the path is crowded near Old Town and Gravelly Point. Allow two to three hours for the Old Town return trip.