Washington & Old Dominion Regional Park

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Parks

Virginia

Nearby: Madison Manor Park Upton Hill Regional Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Washington & Old Dominion Regional Park, located in the state of Virginia, offers a range of attractions and activities that make it a great destination to visit.

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Summary

Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, historical sites, or simply immersing yourself in nature, this park has something for everyone.

One of the main reasons to visit the Washington & Old Dominion Regional Park is its extensive multi-use trail. The park boasts a 45-mile paved trail, which was originally an old railroad route and now serves as a popular pathway for walkers, runners, cyclists, and even horseback riders. The trail winds through both urban and rural areas, providing scenic views of the surrounding countryside, quaint towns, and historic landmarks.

Speaking of landmarks, the park offers several points of interest to explore. One notable stop is the Railroad Station Plaza in Vienna, where you can find a restored train station and learn about the area's rail history. Additionally, the park features a variety of picnic areas, playgrounds, and nature trails, allowing visitors to relax, have a picnic, or observe the local flora and fauna.

Interesting facts about the Washington & Old Dominion Regional Park include its designation as a National Recreation Trail and its recognition as part of the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail. The park is also home to the W&OD Caboose, a refurbished train car that serves as an interactive exhibit showcasing the region's rail heritage.

The best time to visit the park largely depends on personal preferences and activities. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather with vibrant foliage, making them popular seasons for outdoor activities. Summer is a great time to take advantage of the numerous recreational options along the trail, such as biking or jogging. Winter may not be as crowded, but it still offers opportunities for hiking or birdwatching, and the park's picturesque landscapes are transformed by snow.

To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information across multiple independent sources such as the official website of the Washington & Old Dominion Regional Park, travel guides, and other reliable online resources.

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WASHINGTON & OLD DOMINION REGIONAL PARK

Parks • Parks • Recreation

December 5, 2025

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References