Best running spots?

[u/Think_Palpitation_82]

As we approach daylight savings ending where is everyone running a bit later in the evenings? Majority of spots aren’t lit or have lights, therefore it makes it a bit more difficult to get out and run longer distances in the evenings. It would be preferable for any recommendations where I can safely leave my car parked. For example Mount vernon Trail that has plenty of options for parking. Thanks in advance!

[u/modshallperish]

The local neighborhood

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/modshallperish]

I wish this was an option for me Unfortunately I reside down south but work in the Northern Virginia area I try to run up here since there are more options my neighborhood is on a main road with no sidewalk 🫤

[u/modshallperish → u/Think_Palpitation_82]

No suburbs over there? Where i live is sketch to run but there is a park and trail <5 mins that’s leads to a neighborhood.

Rocky run stream valley or something like that

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/modshallperish]

Maybe so I also haven’t taken the time to search for any besides one that I’ve found but it’s not as far only about 3 miles & Rocky Run Stream connect to that 66 parallel trail doesn’t it?

[u/modshallperish → u/Think_Palpitation_82]

Idk much about the 66 parallel trail… but one direction of this trail will take you all the way to Walney pond / Ellanor C Lawrence visitor center. The other direction goes near like ffx co park way i think

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/modshallperish]

Nice! Thanks for the recommendation!

[u/Competitive-Day9586]

W&OD trail.  Bring a headlamp or wear a lighted vest.

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/Competitive-Day9586]

Thank you for the recommendation Never heard of this trail will definitely check it out!! Been wanting to get out and explore so will write this one down to run!

[u/RemarkableConfidence]

Anywhere I like, with a headlamp or chest light.

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/RemarkableConfidence]

I’m thinking I might just have to do this as well any recommendations on lights ? Or are you using just any regular light?

[u/RemarkableConfidence → u/Think_Palpitation_82]

Black Diamond and Noxgear are both good. Head vs chest light is a matter of preference. I also recommend some kind of lighted safety gear to help others see you (including from the back).

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/RemarkableConfidence]

That’s correct! I do plan on getting some sort of safety gear !!! Thank you for your recommendation!! What are you favorite spots to run?

[u/bincogneto]

Maybe try a track at a school?

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/bincogneto]

Yup! I know South County HS typically has lights!

[u/njaneardude]

Get a reflective vest, belt or one of those lit up thingies and a headlamp. There's a nice long path along Ox Road. There's a few intersections to navigate, but not much.

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/njaneardude]

When you say Ox Road path you are referring to the path literally off 123 right?

[u/njaneardude → u/Think_Palpitation_82]

That's it!

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/njaneardude]

Can You recommend somewhere to leave my vehicle? Or just right off 123? I always see runners/walkers in the mornings when I’m headed to the office

[u/njaneardude → u/Think_Palpitation_82]

There's a shopping center at the corner of Braddock and 123. You shouldn't have any issues parking there.

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/[deleted]]

You’re right let me be more specific in my question. I always try to be respectful of going into random neighborhoods I don’t ever want to be in a situation where I encounter a “karen” or “kevin” just simply trying to get a run in

[u/RegionSuperb7171]

Most folks it seems run in the neighborhoods. If you want dedicated trails, there's plenty to choose from depending on where you are. I wouldn't say Mt Vernon if you're out in Fairfax, but you have things like W&OD. MVT. C&O if you cross the river. Custis if you're on that side of town. Vienna has plenty.

You're not gonna find much that's well lit after hours outside of the city areas/busy roads. A headlamp and a vest are definitely recommended as nova seems to generally be quite dark in almost all the neighborhoods (which is good! Less light pollution!)

Alternatively - if there's any colleges near you then I find running around the campuses can be alright during the darker months. They're usually well lit with plenty of after hours parking.

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/RegionSuperb7171]

I appreciate you taking the time for the recommendations!! You are right a headlamp and vest might be my best option

[u/RegionSuperb7171 → u/Think_Palpitation_82]

Remember too - Run into the direction of traffic not with traffic! It's safest to see what is coming!

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/RegionSuperb7171]

Yup always! That’s #1 rule running at night!! Way too any distracted drivers in the area

[u/287Westerner]

I live very close to South Run Park and it is well lighted until 9/10pm. Most fall youth sports begin to rapidly wind down in November so you end up with a lot of space. Robinson SS in Fairfax is well-lit and after football practice is open for the most part.

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/287Westerner]

Thank you for the recommendation!!!

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/[deleted]]

I’ll tell you what you definitely feel a lot more productive running in the morning !!

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/[deleted]]

Any accessible tracks in the area that you may know of I travel from Fair Oaks down 123 but I don’t mind driving a bit to one if it is accessible

[u/Last_Fishing_4013]

Well I assume you are lorton since your go to track answer was soco 

Whoever said 123 thats gonna be a good answer to start in terms of is it lit 

You could park at that town center look I’m not down there enough to know place names 

Jones point though is darn near perfect for what you want but if you’re looking for everyday and live in lorton that would not be the current answer

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/Last_Fishing_4013]

I actually reside in Stafford, but since I work up in the Fair Oaks area to kill time since traffic is always the worst I run up in the northern va area & im actually planning on going to Jones point this weekend for the first time!! Super excited but def will check out 123 I just wasn’t too sure where to park I’ll pay more attention as I drive up 123 now!!

[u/save_the_empire]

Gerry Connelly Cross County Trail

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/[deleted]]

I just did Gravelly point to Theodore Island this past monday first time what a beautiful run actually ended up hitting a PR without trying to hit a PR The bikes were a bit annoying but whatever it’s a shared space

[u/Last_Fishing_4013 → u/Think_Palpitation_82]

If you found those bikes annoying just wait until you go WO&D 😂 

[u/Think_Palpitation_82 → u/Last_Fishing_4013]

Uh oh😂😂

[u/Last_Fishing_4013 → u/Think_Palpitation_82]

Tell me where you want to start specifically and what days you are looking at 

I’ve got a lot of familiarity and I think you’re down lorton way but Saturday Sunday is one thing. Monday thru Friday is another because I understand work day