Meadowlark Botanical Gardens – River Bend Road loop from West Falls Church–VT
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens – River Bend Road loop from West Falls Church–VT
2.8
(22)
86
riders
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens – River Bend Road loop from West Falls Church–VT
03:17
71.4km
640m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
9.31 km
Foxstone Park
Nature Reserve
15.8 km
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
52.3 km
River Bend Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
71.4 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
49.0 km
15.9 km
3.40 km
2.36 km
577 m
164 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
60.6 km
10.5 km
387 m
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Elevation
Highest point (140 m)
Lowest point (60 m)
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Weather
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Today
Tuesday 14 July
34°C
22°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a road cycling route that blends established trails with challenging climbs and diverse scenery, the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens – River Bend Road loop from West Falls Church–VT is definitely worth your time. This moderate 44.3-mile (71.4 km) route packs in 2084 feet (635 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 17 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for experienced road cyclists seeking a varied workout and access to beautiful natural attractions, especially if you appreciate a mix of paved paths and rolling rural roads.
What to expect on Meadowlark Botanical Gardens – River Bend Road loop from West Falls Church–VT
This loop offers a dynamic journey, starting with the familiar, generally flat grades of the W&OD Trail as you transition from urban areas to Virginia's countryside. The real character of the ride emerges as you approach Meadowlark Botanical Gardens via its 1.25-mile connector trail, which introduces some challenging, steep hills that will get your heart pumping. Beyond the gardens, River Bend Road provides a picturesque experience with rolling terrain, passing through wooded areas and open landscapes, often featuring horse farms and rural settings. This route is best suited for cyclists comfortable with significant elevation changes and riding on roads with mixed traffic, particularly in sections near Great Falls.
Planning your visit
Accessing the W&OD Trail from West Falls Church is straightforward, providing a good starting point for this loop. While River Bend Road offers scenic stretches, be aware that some sections of roads in the vicinity of Great Falls, including parts of Georgetown Pike, have been described as
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