Trail Guide

moderate

Custis Trail

Arlington

4 miles

4/5

4 mi

Distance

30-45 minutes

Duration

point to-point

Route Type

4/5

Rating

Custis Trail Overview

The Custis Trail is a 4-mile paved trail in Arlington, VA that connects the Mount Vernon Trail near Key Bridge to the W&OD Trail in East Falls Church. The trail follows I-66 for much of its route, with a tree-lined corridor that buffers the highway. It's a key commuter route and offers a fast, direct connection between Georgetown and the larger Northern Virginia trail network.

Distance

4 miles

Difficulty

moderate

Surface

Paved, well-maintained

Route Type

point to-point

Location

Arlington, VA

Neighborhood

Arlington

The Custis Trail is an essential connector in the DC area trail network, linking the Mount Vernon Trail (and Georgetown via Key Bridge) to the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail. While the trail runs alongside I-66, a dense buffer of trees provides a surprisingly green riding experience. The trail has some rolling hills and is popular with commuters heading to DC from Northern Virginia.

Trail Tags

pavedcommuterconnectorhills

Trail Highlights & Connections

Highlight 1

Key connector between major DC trails

Highlight 2

Fast route from Georgetown to Northern Virginia

Highlight 3

Tree-lined corridor buffers highway noise

Highlight 4

Access to East Falls Church Metro

Highlight 5

Connects to W&OD for longer rides

Trail Features & Commuter Access

Connects Mount Vernon to W&OD Trail

Key Bridge access to Georgetown

Tree-lined corridor

Commuter route

Rolling hills

Best Times to Ride

Early Morning (7–10 AM)

The best time to ride in Aspen. Trails are fresh, temperatures are cooler at altitude, and you'll beat the afternoon crowds on popular routes like Maroon Bells.

Late Morning (10 AM–Noon)

Great for longer rides when fully acclimatized. Aim to be off exposed ridgelines by early afternoon as afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.

Avoid Afternoons in Summer

Aspen summers bring rapid afternoon thunderstorms, especially above treeline. Start early and plan to return before 2–3 PM. Always bring a rain layer.

Gear Up Before You Ride

The Custis Trail is paved and suitable for road bikes, hybrids, and commuters. The trail has some rolling hills and runs alongside I-66, so it can be noisy. It's best used as a connector between the Mount Vernon Trail and the W&OD Trail. Commuters should be prepared for faster-paced riding.

Safety Tips for Mountain Biking in Aspen, CO

•Wear a helmet: Always wear a properly fitted mountain bike helmet — Aspen trails are technical
•Acclimatize first: Aspen sits at 8,000 ft — give yourself 1-2 days to acclimatize before hard rides, especially if flying in
•Watch for thunderstorms: Afternoon summer storms build fast in the Rockies — start early and be off exposed terrain by 2 PM
•Bring water & snacks: High altitude increases dehydration. Bring more water than you think you need plus energy snacks
•Know wildlife etiquette: Aspen has bears, moose, and elk. Make noise on blind corners and know how to react to wildlife

Trail Location

Arlington, VA

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Current Weather

47°F

Clear Sky

4 mph

Wind

0 mm

Precipitation

Ride Conditions: Good

Decent riding conditions today.

Live data via Open-Meteo · Austin, TX

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