Reston's 55 miles of Reston Association paths, the 45-mile W&OD Trail, the Cross County Trail, the Walker Nature Center loops, hours and where to park.

Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. Facts come from Reston Association, NOVA Parks and the Fairfax County Park Authority.

“Living in Reston is like living in a park,” Reston Association says, and its path network ties the neighborhoods, lakes, schools and village centers together. On top of the association’s own paths, two long regional trails cross Reston: the W&OD and the Cross County Trail.

Know before you go

  • W&OD Trail hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
  • Walker Nature Center trails: open dawn to dusk, free parking and restrooms
  • Park closures and trail updates: Park Authority updates page
  • Emergency on a trail: 911. Police non-emergency: 703-691-2131

Reston Association’s paths

Reston Association maintains more than 1,350 acres of open space and 55 miles of paved pathways and natural surface trails that connect its facilities, neighborhoods, schools and shopping, for walkers, joggers and cyclists. Along them are more than 700 acres of forest, 50 meadows, four wetlands, four lakes, three ponds and 20 miles of streams.

The four lakes (Anne, Thoreau, Audubon and Newport) cover 125 acres, and many sections of path run beside them. Good lake walks:

  • Lake Anne: start at Lake Anne Village Center, the plaza on the lake.
  • Lake Newport: a paved path runs along the dam at Brown’s Chapel Park, off Baron Cameron Avenue.
  • Lake Thoreau and Lake Audubon: much of the shoreline is private, so respect the “No Trespassing” signs and stay on the association’s paths.

Reston Association has asked riders of electric scooters and e-bikes to share its trails safely with walkers.

Walker Nature Center

Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Drive, has one mile of loop trails in 72 acres of woods, with the Glade stream valley and the spot where Snakeden Branch enters 44-acre Lake Audubon. Stay on the trail and keep dogs leashed.

W&OD Trail

The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park is a paved trail on the old railroad bed, 45 miles from Shirlington to Purcellville, and NOVA Parks calls it the skinniest park in Virginia. It crosses Reston. A 32-mile gravel horse trail runs beside parts of it.

  • Hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, year-round.
  • Reston parking: take Reston Parkway to Sunset Hills Road and turn left onto Old Reston Avenue at the 7-Eleven; the paved lot is on the right by the trail. A large commuter lot farther down Sunset Hills Road is usually full on weekdays.
  • Next stop west: Herndon, about three miles, where trail users park at the town municipal center lot off Station Street.
  • A trail bridge carries the W&OD over Wiehle Avenue near the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station (Fairfax County).

Children walk and bike to school on the trail when school is in session, and NOVA Parks asks riders to pass them with care.

Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail

The county’s Cross County Trail runs 41.5 miles from Great Falls National Park on the Potomac River south to the Occoquan River and Laurel Hill, through stream valleys in and around Reston. It is used by hikers, joggers, strollers, cyclists and equestrians. Sections have closed for flood damage and sewer work in the past; check the park updates page before a long ride.

Lake Fairfax Park

Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, has trails through its 476 acres and around its 20-acre lake, open year-round.

Plan your own route

The Park Authority’s Trail Buddy map covers more than 900 miles of trails, bikeways and sidewalks in Fairfax County. Type in an address and it shows the nearest trails. The county’s bike trails page has more on cycling in the parks.

Frequently asked questions

How many miles of trails does Reston have?

Reston Association says 55 miles of paved pathways and natural surface trails connect its facilities, neighborhoods, schools and shopping.

Where do you park for the W&OD Trail in Reston?

NOVA Parks directs visitors to a paved lot on Old Reston Avenue off Sunset Hills Road, by the 7-Eleven. A larger commuter lot farther down Sunset Hills Road is usually full on weekdays.

What are the W&OD Trail hours?

5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, year-round, along all 45 miles from Shirlington to Purcellville, according to NOVA Parks.

How long is the Cross County Trail?

The Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail runs 41.5 miles from Great Falls on the Potomac River south to the Occoquan River and Laurel Hill, passing through Reston’s stream valleys.