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The Bluemont Junction Trail is a short paved trail that branches off from the popular Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) in the heart of Arlington. The trail was built on a spur line that once linked the W&OD's Bluemont Division main line—now the W&OD—with the same railroad's Great Falls Division in Rosslyn.
The shady trail is a crucial connection for commuters and recreationists from the W&OD Trail to Ballston, the retail hub of Arlington. There trail users can pick up the Custis Trail to loosely follow the original Great Falls Division (now home to Interstate 66) to Rosslyn and the Potomac riverfront.
At the trail's western end, the original railroad junction has been converted into the 15-acre Bluemont Junction Park featuring exhibits on the extensive local rail history, including a retired caboose. The park also boasts picnic areas, playgrounds, ball fields and tennis courts. Pick up either the W&OD Trail or the Four Mile Run Trail from the park to head southeast; the latter extends all the way to the Mount Vernon Trail and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport along the Potomac River.
The Bluemont Junction Trail can be accessed from Bluemont Junction Park, where parking is available. To reach the park, travel west from Washington, D.C., on US 50 and turn right onto N. Manchester Street. Follow the road for 0.25 mile until it dead ends, and turn right into the parking lot.
From Ballston, travel southwest on Wilson Boulevard, and turn left onto N. Manchester Street. Take an immediate left into the parking lot.
Its train inspired playground is a fan favorite in my family. It also has a nice 9 hole frisbee golf course. It has a bathroom.
This is a short trail that's used as a connection between the W&OD trail and the Custis trail, as well as by families in the nearby Bluemont neighborhood. There are benches and some nearby playing fields, but nothing particularly unique. A great general-use local trail.
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