Cycling to George Washington’s Mount Vernon via the Mount Vernon Trail is one of the most rewarding point-to-point rides in the region. This self-guided experience links Old Town Alexandria with riverside woodland, historic landscapes and the former home of America’s first president, with estate admission included.
It’s well suited to families, couples and solo riders who want a full day out that combines distance riding, history and time on foot exploring the grounds.
After collecting your bike in Old Town Alexandria, you’ll join the Mount Vernon Trail almost immediately, avoiding busy roads and following the Potomac south. The route is well surfaced and clearly defined, making it accessible for confident leisure riders while still offering enough distance to feel like a proper journey.
The ride passes through areas such as Dyke Marsh Preserve and Belle View Park, where tree cover and riverbanks create a quieter, more natural stretch of trail. With regular viewpoints and benches, it’s easy to pace the ride and stop as needed. Traffic interaction is minimal, which makes the route particularly suitable for families.
On arrival at Mount Vernon, bikes are locked up and you’ll enter the estate to explore the mansion exterior, gardens, farm buildings and riverside viewpoints on foot. You can choose to cycle back the same way or, for an additional fee, leave the bike at Mount Vernon for collection. Some riders also opt to combine the return with a boat journey back towards Washington DC, depending on schedules.
Old Town Alexandria sits directly on the Mount Vernon Trail, making it an ideal starting point for longer riverside rides. The transition from historic streets to uninterrupted trail happens quickly, allowing you to settle into the ride without navigating complex junctions.
The route follows the Potomac for most of the journey, providing consistent scenery and a clear sense of progression from town to estate. It’s one of the most continuous and well-maintained cycling corridors in the region.
All riders must be able to ride a bicycle independently unless using an approved child attachment. Riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.
Double trailers and tag-a-longs for young children are available on request at an additional cost. One government-issued photo ID is required and will be held as a deposit for the duration of the rental, with a credit card kept on file for bike security. eBike upgrades are available for riders aged 16 and over.
This experience combines a purposeful ride with meaningful time off the bike. Including estate admission removes the need for separate booking and allows you to focus on the route and visit rather than logistics.
Riding to Mount Vernon via the trail provides context you don’t get by arriving by car or bus. The gradual approach along the river mirrors how visitors historically reached the estate, making the journey part of the experience rather than just transport.
About the centre
Alexandria, VA
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