Mason’s Woods
| Distance: 33.7 miles | Climbing: 1,523 feet |
| Gravel: 0 miles | Singletrack: 2.4 miles |
| Relevant: Blue Line | Franconia-Springfield Station | Singletrack | |
This is a favorite.
From the Franconia Springfield Metro, you’ve got about 5 miles of easy suburban blah, then you’re out on some well paved country roads, the busiest of which (Gunston) has a sidepath for a good chunk of it. Pohick Bay Regional park has a great picnic area right on the water. There’s also paddle boat rental and minigolf (and yet it’s still a peaceful place) if you want a break from riding. Gunston Hall has gorgeous grounds. High Point road, which takes you into Mason Neck State Park is everything you could ask for in a smooth, winding road through the woods — leafy canopy, singing birds, mossy shoulders, blooming dogwoods.
A little after you cross Gunston Road, you come to the Meadwood Recreation area, which has a quiet, extremely well maintained singletrack. There are some new fancy IMBA trails in this park too. Probably best not to try these on your road bike?
If you want to skip the dirt, just turn directly onto to Gunston Rd.
