This is a series of articles reviewing the many off-road running experiences available in the DC area. As a master's runner, and occasionally an injured runner, I have had to discover creative ways to keep myself running with the least amount of stress to my body. During this search, I have discovered that there are many trails in the area, some better than others. Of course, since I am writing the articles, there will be a bias. For instance, I will rate a trail that prohibits bicycle traffic higher than one that does not. I am not particularly fond of the tracks bikes make in muddy weather. The following paragraph will list some of the things I will be considering with my review.

I consider a trail an off-road trail if at least 80% of the trail is dirt, fine gravel, grass or chipped wood. Accessibility, maintenance, safety, clear markings, popularity (i.e., too many people), cost, parking and natural variety (i.e., roots, rocks, hills, etc.) will be factors discussed and considered. Since this is a large geographic area, factors such as distance from my home will not be considered, although individually this is important. My minimum criterion is a trail that I can get at least forty-five minutes of running in without having to repeat too much of the trail. I do not like redundancy and need variety to keep my interest. I will include it if there are shorter trails in the area, but may not review them. The highest rating will be a five muddy shoes rating.

My favorite local trail is Walney Visitors Center (part of Eleanor C. Lawrence Park, Fairfax County), a discovery only recently made out of a desperate search following an injury to my right shin. This delightful little park has walking/running trails on both sides of Walney Road. It is found off Route 28, just north of I-66. The Visitor's Center side of the road has a bathroom and indoor water fountain (a plus in my book) at the Center and free parking. There is a series of trails, containing a full two miles' worth of a trail made from chipped wood. The rest is dirt, grass or fine gravel. They do not allow bicycles on the trails. The only precaution you must take is to watch for the occasional guided walking tours. Still, everyone I have encountered has simply yielded the right of way. I have run for a little over an hour, at a 7:45-8:00 pace, on my recovery days, without too much repetition. When parking at the visitors center, the trails to the right are crushed gravel then chipped wood. The path is mostly flat with a gentle uphill on a north loop. The trails to the left have a few more hills. This works well for a hill repeat area by running a figure eight on the ups and downs. A grassy loop circles around the pond.

For a longer run, cross Walney Road and pick up the Big Rocky Run/Poplar Tree Trail. From there it is two miles to Stringfellow Road that is about half dirt and half asphalt, for a four-mile extension. I have rarely seen standing water, except on the Poplar Tree side, which can also freeze over in the winter, but it is always passable. The trails on the Visitor's Center side are always meticulously groomed, shaded in summer, and have a variety of wildlife and flora as well.

If I had to come up with a downside, it would be that at first, the hillier side is a little confusing. It is never very far from the signs pointing the way to the Visitors Center. That is the focal point where runners can regroup. As on most trails in the summer, look for some gnats, flies, and mosquitoes to contend with, depending on the time of day.

In Summary: This park is a hidden gem in my book. There is free parking and admission; well-groomed, shaded trails, and amenities (bathroom and water). Bicycles are restricted from the trail, and it has enough variety for at least forty-five to ninety minutes of running with the extension trail. It gets a Five Muddy Shoe rating.