Arlington, for all its compactness, is blessed with a bounty of fine walking environments from urban malls to stream valley wilderness. But don't take our word for it! Arlington is prime territory for explorers, be they alone or by the dozens. Here's how to blaze your own trail or follow in the footsteps of others bitten by wanderlust.
- Maps and Guides
- Guided Walking Tours
- Special Walks and Events
- Walk for a Cause
- Walk with Others
- Walkabouts
Calendar of Walks and Events
Here you will find a comprehensive calendar of walks and walking-related events in Arlington, around the Washington, D.C. area and, sometimes, beyond. Bookmark this section, and return frequently! Or sign up for the monthly WALKArlington Pacer and receive reminders in your very own e-mail box.
Walk With Others
- Join a walking group, like the Volksmarchers, or any of the County's Senior Adult clubs.
- Get added to the list of Arlingtonian's looking for a walk companion.
- Find a walk companion from the list.
- Or, start your own group!
Walkabouts
A dozen guided "virtual" walks around the County: Check out the favorites of Arlingtonians from all walks of life. Maps, detailed descriptions, and in some cases, even videos to let you preview the scenery!
Guided Walking Tours of Arlington ... and Vicinity
- Historic Arlington: The Smithsonian Resident Associate Program offers occasional "study tours" of Arlington, many of which are led by well-known Arlington historian Kathryn Holt Springston. (Add yourself to the RAP e-mail list to be notified of upcoming tours, and visit the Arlington Economic Development website for more details.)
- Arlington National Cemetery: From April through October, Washington Walks will take you on a Saturday or Sunday morning walking tour of some of the most popular sites. You can also schedule a three-hour "quiet walk" through the cemetery with special emphasis on African American history - with stops at the gravesites of Justice Thurgood Marshall, the Tuskegee Airmen, and NAACP Secretary Medgar Evers, among others, by contacting UC Tours.
- Washington, DC: So much to see in DC - and so many tour guides! In addition to the Smithsonian Associates tours (see "Historic Arlington," above) Cultural Tourism DC lists a number of interesting walking tours from some of the areas pre-eminent guides, and is starting a new series of "Insider's Insights" self-guided tours such as Dupont Circle/Kalorama.
Maps and Guides
Some excellent resources for walkers AND bikers:
- Arlington Bike/Trail offer excellent trail information in PDF format at various sizes from 8.5" x 11" on up
- Arlington parks with nature trails
- Arlington streets map
- Safe routes to Arlington schools are also now available online.
- Interactive "Find-It" site maps include zoning, Neighborhood Conservation areas and Civic Association boundaries
- Arlington bike tours also great for longer walks
- WALKArlington in ROSSLYN is the first in a series of walking maps and guides that feature the architecture, history, public art and other noteworthy places of Arlington.
- Washington, DC area multi-use trails is a comprehensive list
- Washington and Old Dominion (W & OD) Trail which begins in Arlington and continues to Purcellville, VA
