Four Mile Run Trail

The Four Mile Run Trail is a fun paved trail that’s perfect for walks with your furry best friend! This out-and-back trail is 6.2-miles long, and dogs are welcome to join you on the furiffic trail on-leash.

Parking for Four Mile Run Trail is available at Bluemont Junction Park, where the trail begins. The trail travels south through Arlington, and the majority of the trail follows the scenic Four Mile Run Creek. Most of the trail also goes through a beautiful forest that provides plenty of shade.

As you and your pup walk along the trail, you’ll pass lots of interesting sites. If you’re a history buff, be sure to stop and check out Carlin’s Landing. This historic area features the ruins of a resort from the 18^th century. You’ll also pass by Barcroft Park, which is home to a wide variety of sports fields.

Pups will be most excited to hear that the Four Mile Run Trail goes by two off-leash dog parks: Glencarlyn Dog Park and Shirlington Dog Park. Glencarlyn Dog Park is an unfenced park located in a wooded area. This park is a great place to let your pup stretch their legs—just be sure to keep them under voice control while they’re playing. Shirlington Dog Park is a fenced dog run with separate areas for large and small dogs. Water and doggy bags are also available in Shirlington Dog Park.

The trail ends at the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan National Airport. If you’d like to extend your hike, the Four Mile Run Trail merges with the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail here. Or, you can simply relax and enjoy the views of the river before you head back to the start of the Four Mile Run Trail.

Four Mile Run Trail is a furtastic paved trail that takes you along a beautiful creek and through lovely wooded areas. Remember to clean up after your dog while you’re on your hike, and have a great day out on this trail!