4 Mile Run: More than Four Miles of Fun

4 Mile Run in Arlington is in fact more than nine miles long, yet it remains called the “4 mile run” from a mistake on an old map. Whether it is four or nine miles does not matter, as it remains an incredibly popular stream and park for northern Virginia residents.

Stretching from Fairfax County to Arlington, Four Mile Run is Northern Virginia's personal Potomac, with all the play space and more. Much of it comes with paved trails for bikers and runners, including the Four Mile Run Trail in Arlington, the Anderson Bikeway in both Arlington and Alexandria, and the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail in Arlington.

The trail connects with the Mount Vernon Trail, which runs along the Potomac to George Washington's estate. The stream itself comes with a lot of fun and aesthetics, including small waterfalls, scenic twists and turns, and some rapid water after a heavy rainfall, which can cause it to rise significantly. Check to make sure parts of the trail haven't flooded after a rain if you're planning to head out for a run or bike ride.

The actual Four Mile Run Park is in Alexandria and comes with playgrounds, playing fields, and dog parks where owners can unleash their pooches and let them run around. Dogs can also go for a swim in the streams, which is especially popular in warm weather. It's a very social place for dog owners and dogs, and people drive (or run) from afar to take their four-legged friends here.

Softball and baseball games take place nightly, as well as pick-up soccer and football games. There's talk of expanding the park and consideration of making it Georgetown University's ballpark as well. On Sundays, a farmers' market is bustling with food from local purveyors at the park from 8am to 1pm, so bring your shopping basket and bags.

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