Lake Thoreau Dam – Meadowlark Botanical Gardens loop from Herndon

Lake Thoreau Dam – Meadowlark Botanical Gardens loop from Herndon

Moderate

2.6

(14)

riders

Lake Thoreau Dam – Meadowlark Botanical Gardens loop from Herndon

02:21

52.8km

380m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 3.74 km for 164 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

3.83 km

Pitango Gelato

Highlight • Cafe

Plenty of vegan gelato options... the Dark Chocolate is phenom!

Tip by

4.14 km

Bridge to W&OD Trail Access

Highlight • Bridge

Convenient overpass over the WOD trail. Direct access to the square.

Tip by

6.76 km

The Bike Lane Bicycle Shop and Brewery

Highlight • Cafe

This little brewery/cafe combo sits right off the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. You can rent a bike here, get repairs done, or swig a beer or non-alcoholic drinks in the cafe. The bike shop and cafe keep different hours, so it's best to check for whichever one's services you need.

Tip by

9.66 km

Lake Thoreau Dam

Highlight • Lake

Beautiful falls colors and water views

Tip by

20.6 km

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Highlight • Natural

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is home thousands of species of fascinating plants. Wander through the 95 acres of display gardens, marvel at plant collections and explore the woodlands on the walking trails.

The gardens are open from 10 am - 6.30 pm and entrance costs $3 - 6, age dependent.

Tip by

32.6 km

Dunn Loring Park

Forest

39.5 km

Caboose Brewery

Highlight • Pub

No matter what you like to have on your ride you can find it here. There's great beer, and food, but also coffee and pastries. It's location along the W&OD Trail make it the perfect spot to begin and end your ride, or make it your turn around point to have a break and a beverage.

Tip by

39.9 km

Old Dominion Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The Old Dominion Trail is officially part of the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park and is a 45‑mile paved rail‑trail winding through Fairfax County. The trail is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists.

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