Vale Road – Lake Thoreau Dam loop from Herndon
Vale Road – Lake Thoreau Dam loop from Herndon
4.9
(9107)
10,984
riders
Vale Road – Lake Thoreau Dam loop from Herndon
01:43
37.3km
340m
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: April 30, 2026
Tips
Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted
After 3.74 km for 164 m
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
3.83 km
Pitango Gelato
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
4.14 km
Bridge to W&OD Trail Access
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
6.76 km
The Bike Lane Bicycle Shop and Brewery
Highlight • Cafe
Tip by
17.7 km
Vale Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
28.8 km
Lake Thoreau Dam
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
37.3 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
17.9 km
15.7 km
2.24 km
711 m
635 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
35.7 km
931 m
406 m
269 m
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Elevation
Highest point (130 m)
Lowest point (70 m)
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Weather
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Wednesday 15 July
34°C
21°C
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Vale Road – Lake Thoreau Dam loop from Herndon is one of those road cycling routes that offers a rewarding challenge without being overly strenuous. This moderate 23.2-mile (37.3 km) ride features 1117 feet (340 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes to complete. It's an excellent choice for road cyclists looking for a substantial loop with varied scenery in the Herndon area.
What to expect on Vale Road – Lake Thoreau Dam loop from Herndon
As you pedal along the Vale Road – Lake Thoreau Dam loop, you'll experience a journey through the pleasant landscapes of Herndon. The route is known for its well-paved surfaces, making for a smooth ride as you take in picturesque views around Lake Thoreau. While the area generally features gentle gradients, the overall distance and elevation gain contribute to its moderate rating. You'll pass through woodlands, alongside stream valleys, and through well-maintained residential areas, offering a mix of natural beauty and suburban charm. This route is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a longer ride with consistent, but not overly aggressive, climbs.
Planning your visit
The Lake Thoreau Dam loop is a popular road cycling route, highly accessible due to its well-maintained surfaces. While specific parking details for the Vale Road starting point aren't detailed, the Herndon area offers ample access points to its extensive network of paved trails. This route also connects to the broader cycling infrastructure of Herndon and Reston, including the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail, providing opportunities to extend your ride or explore different starting locations. Given its popularity, an early start is always a good idea, especially on weekends, to enjoy the route with fewer people.
Trail details
- Distance: 23.2 miles (37.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 1117 feet (340 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 43 minutes
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