Roadskater Resources
The Red Caboose, in Vienna
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The spirit of the historic railroad lives along the paved W&OD trail.

The Red Caboose in Vienna sits along the W&OD, 45 miles of paved rail-trail. It offers a haven for distance skaters with:
  • A 65 mile round trip distance to the end of the trail. (or 24 miles along the urban section to Shirlington and back)
  • Trail-side parking.
  • Nearby Vienna Inn offers great deals for food and drink. Great place to meet after a hard day of training.
  • Easy access from major DC area highways.
  • The Historic Charm of the W&OD trail
History of the Trail
When the W&OD ceased operations in 1968, the Virginia Electric and Power Company (VEPCO, now Virginia Power) bought the right-of-way for its electric power transmission lines. It was never economically viable and was purchased by the Park Authority in 1982 and opened for recreation use in 1988.
Where the heck is Vienna?

In VA, Just outside of the beltway. About half way between Arlington and Dulles Airport.
The Red Caboose in Vienna, VA
Here is a satellite photo of the area. Blue areas indicate free trailside parking. Note that the red caboose is actually a few yards away from the meeting spot. The Vienna Inn is on this map, just above the word "Maple". (in Maple Ave)
Driving to the Meeting Spot
The trail parking areas are small and fill quickly on weekends. For more parking, drive around the block to the larger commercial center lot. The center is closed weekends. Caution: speed limits are enforced in the Town of Vienna.

From points north: take Capital Beltway outer loop, I-495 west or south (from the Baltimore area, it will be I-495 west); take exit 46A, Rte 123, west to Vienna; once in Vienna, turn right on Park St. (Amoco Station on right, at corner); turn left at next stop sign, Church St.; turn right at next stop sign, Mill St.; turn left at next stop sign, Ayr Hill Ave.; go a half block, parking lot in on left.

From points south: take Capital Beltway inner loop (I-495 north); take exit 49A or 49C, I-66, westbound; take exit 62 Nutley St (Rte 243) northbound towards Vienna; turn right onto Rte 123, Maple Ave; turn left onto Lawyers Rd (Rte 673); go three blocks, then turn right on Ayr Hill Ave; go two blocks to Dominion Rd; at stop sign, go straight, through intersection, then turn right immediately into parking lot.

Note: from points southeast, e.g., MD Rtes 210, 5 or 4, take I-495 west (inner loop), this becomes I-495 north, then follow directions "From points south."

From DC/Arlington: get onto Rte I-66 west; take exit 62 Nutley St (Rte 243) northbound towards Vienna; turn right onto Rte 123, Maple Ave; turn left onto Lawyers Rd (Rte 673); go three blocks, then turn right on Ayr Hill Ave; go two blocks to Dominion Rd; at stop sign, go straight, through intersection, then turn right immediately into parking lot.

By Metro
Access to the trail is pretty good from the Metro if you skate from the Metro to the meeting point. Take the orange line to the Dunn Loring-Merrifield station (the Vienna station is actually closer to the meeting point, but access to the trail appears less skater friendly from that direction; if anyone knows otherwise, please let me know). From Dunn Loring station, go north on Gallows Rd. (VA Rte 650) approx. 2/3 of a mile. The trail crosses Gallows Rd. there, I think there's even a traffic signal there specifically for hikers/bikers/skaters to cross Gallows Rd. From Gallows Rd., turn left onto the W&OD and it's about 2.5 miles from Gallows to the meeting point which is approximately at the W&OD 12 mile marker.

 

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Last Updated 2/25/2005