Are dogs allowed on Four Mile Run Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Four Mile Run Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Four Mile Run Trail?

No, Four Mile Run Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Four Mile Run Trail?

Four Mile Run Trail is rated expert. It is 15.2 miles long with 1,788 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Four Mile Run Trail?

Four Mile Run Trail is best hiked in spring and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

Is Four Mile Run Trail suitable for kids?

Four Mile Run Trail is not typically recommended for young children due to length, exposure, or technical terrain. Older kids with hiking experience may be fine — use your judgment based on your family's comfort level.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Virginia trail conditions

ExpertOut and Back

Virginia

Four Mile Run Trail

Alexandria, Virginia

15.2 mi

Distance

1,788 ft

Elev. Gain

5h 20m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

The Four Mile Run Trail is a challenging out-and-back trail located in Alexandria, Virginia. The trail stretches 15.2 miles with a significant elevation gain of 1788 feet, reaching a maximum elevation of 91 meters. The dirt surface and notable elevation changes make it suitable for experienced hikers. The trail offers a mix of urban and natural landscapes, typical of the Northern Virginia region.

From Wikipedia

The Four Mile Run Trail is a 7-mile long, paved shared use path in Arlington County and Falls Church. It runs along Four Mile Run from Benjamin Banneker Park in Falls Church to the Mount Vernon Trail near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, where Four Mile Run empties into the Potomac River. The trail runs roughly parallel to parts of the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail as it follows Four Mile Run, sometimes on the other side of the stream.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

steep elevation gain

Elevation Profile

Min:1 ft

Max:91 ft

545 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Highlights

urban settingnatural landscapes

Reviews

No reviews yet

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.