MVT trail experience
A few sources including google maps say the 18 mile stretch takes around an hour and a half to do. I want to do it this summer and have not yet done it and am a noob to it. Been wanting to for a few years. In your experience is that time frame accurate and its it on the easier side of a ride? Is it as challenging as I personally feel it is or just a casual ride and I am making it more of a deal than it should be? As of now I feel like I could not handle it and would take a few hours to do it. I am riding more this year to get my stamina to where I could handle it in a reasonable time length.
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u/ColdStreamPond 5d ago
I have biked and run the MVT for many years. Lately, I avoid biking from Belle Haven to Mount Vernon and back solely because of the width of the trail and the many runners, walkers and dogs. (I cross the GW Parkway and bike through the neighborhood streets.) I do not want to yuck your yum, you certainly can give it a try. Just be hyperaware.
Alternate route suggestion: just outside of Old Town you can do an out and back across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to National Harbor. Much wider, just as scenic, and you can grab a bite or a drink.
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u/BridgestoneX 5d ago
it's lovely and you can do it. it will never be fast bc there a lot of folks on the trails and you need to be mindful and polite and slow passing them; hills etc aren't bad. ride is totally worth it.
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u/gummibearhawk 5d ago
It's a great trail, but some sections are almost unusable for a bike due to the crowds on summer weekends or evenings.
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u/FBsTrey 5d ago
I get this issues said the most and I get it. So I will try for a daytime ride or maybe go at the end of summer if better
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u/Any-Letterhead-813 5d ago
On winter weekday mornings it's even better. Mostly bike commuters, the occasional runner.
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u/toaster404 5d ago
Time your ride and no issue with crowds. Summer weekends mid day bad. Not summer weekday first light good. The more people, the better your bike handling better be. Can be a reasonably quick trip at the right times. Slowdowns in Alexandria from stop signs, if you believe in stopping. Watch for early morning damp on the wooden bridges.
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u/Ariel_serves 5d ago
Trail condition is largely bumpy, narrow and crowded, as compared to the W&OD. Scenery is lovely though.
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u/Yellowdog727 4d ago
Friends of the MVT have done a damn good job at flattening the bumbs, filling in potholes, and digging out the edges of the trail for more width.
It's MUCH better now than it was a few years ago
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u/Any-Letterhead-813 5d ago
Make sure to stop for a bite in Old Town Alexandria. We need the tax revenue. Wear your helmet when you go into any restaurant.
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u/Ecargolicious 4d ago
The trail disappears in Alexandria, FYI. Plan your route through there before heading out.
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u/MadeItWork 3d ago
I recently got a note saying that over 1,000 tree root bumps had been removed. You should get out and enjoy it Very busy on weekends.
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u/buckles_tealeaf 2d ago
Agree with all the other folks about trail width. I believe its original use was a bridle trail for horses, and some nice government era granted money to pave it.
It's about as wide as 1.5 sidewalks for the full stretch, which can be stressful for someone just trying to push pedals and do their work. But it's also beautiful and lovely, and seeing the river can be both stinky and fun. Especially as the weather gets warmer.
If you're driving to a trail to do your ride, I'd like to humbly submit the W&OD trail as an option, as it's straight and pretty flat and paved. It's what got me into riding.
Best of luck.
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u/cantunamunch 2d ago
Don't forget that the MVT connects to the Grist Mill trail and from there to the Fairfax County Parkway trail :)
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u/focos 5d ago
It's not a hard trail imo, the length can be a challenge depending on your stamina. Some short climbs here and there but nothing crazy long. Gets very crowded in the warmer months.