Quick Summary
- The 66 Parallel Trail runs about 20 miles along I-66, from Centreville to Dunn Loring, according to FFXnow.
- Fairfax County recently put up directional signs in Centreville, Fair Lakes, Fair Oaks and Oakton.
- A path at Random Hills Park was about 70 percent done in late July, with landscaping planned for this fall.
- A permanent path to the Vienna Metro station is scheduled to start construction in 2027.
- The trail ties into the W&OD Trail, the Fairfax County Parkway Trail and the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail.
In this post: What the trail is / What is new / What is still unfinished / Why it matters for daily life / Sources and reporting limits / FAQ
What the 66 Parallel Trail Actually Is
If you have driven I-66 through Fairfax County, you have probably passed it without noticing. The 66 Parallel Trail is a shared-use path that follows the highway for about 20 miles, from Centreville in the west to Dunn Loring in the east, according to reporting by Acacia James at FFXnow on July 28, 2026. The first section opened in May 2023 near Vienna.
It is not a wilderness trail. It is a practical one. Along the route it reaches the Dunn Loring-Merrifield and Vienna Metro stations, and it connects to the W&OD Trail, the Fairfax County Parkway Trail and the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail. For anyone who bikes to the train or just wants a long, flat ride without a lot of car traffic, that web of connections is the real draw.
About 20 miles. The length of the 66 Parallel Trail between Centreville and Dunn Loring, per FFXnow (July 28, 2026).
What Is New: Signs That Point You the Right Way
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation has recently installed directional signs in Centreville, Fair Lakes, Fair Oaks and Oakton. According to the county, the signs guide people to trail access points and destinations along the route.
That sounds small, and it is. But anyone who has tried to find the entrance to a path tucked behind an office park knows how much a good sign helps. If you live in or near Oakton, this is probably the change you will notice first. Our Oakton page covers the neighborhood if you are curious about the area around those access points.
What Is Still Unfinished
Three pieces of work were described in the July report, and the status of each could have changed since then.
Random Hills Park. The Fairfax County Park Authority is building a shared-use path that links the park’s trails to the 66 Parallel Trail. FFXnow reported it was about 70 percent complete and expected to be substantially finished by the end of August, weather permitting. Cleanup could run through September, and landscaping is planned for the fall, which may mean temporary closures. Tom McFarland, the Park Authority’s trails program manager, advised users to follow posted signs and crew instructions until the area is cleared.
Fair Oaks. A new path connecting West Ox Road, Post Forest Drive, Random Hills Road and the Monument Drive Transit Center is open and substantially complete, per the same report.
Vienna Metro. Right now, getting from the trail to the station involves an on-road connection. A permanent shared-use path is planned to replace it, with construction expected to start in 2027. A VDOT spokesperson, Ellen Kamilakis, told FFXnow that access will stay open during construction, though some things will shift. The cycle track on Country Creek Road and Virginia Center Boulevard will move but remain open, and the striped buffer on Sutton Road’s bike lanes will come out while crews work. VDOT said it plans to meet with the community before construction begins.
2027. Expected construction start for the permanent trail connection at the Vienna Metro station, according to VDOT as quoted by FFXnow.
Why a Trail Like This Matters to People Who Live Nearby
Most of us judge a neighborhood by what we can reach without starting the car. A continuous path that links Metro stops, shopping areas and other long trails changes that math, especially for households that want to bike to work or let older kids get around on their own.
I would not claim a trail changes any particular home’s value, and I have not seen data in this reporting that says it does. What I can say is that buyers regularly ask about walkability, bike access and park space, and a 20-mile corridor is something to point to. If you are weighing Northern Virginia towns, the Reston and McLean pages are good places to start, and the W&OD connection means a trail ride can stretch well beyond either one.
Fall is a nice time to try a section. The leaves are still turning, the humidity is gone, and with Random Hills landscaping possibly under way, it is worth checking the Park Authority site for closures first.
Sources and Reporting Limits
Most details above come from one report: Acacia James, “Fairfax County expands I-66 trail access, as work continues on gaps,” FFXnow, July 28, 2026. The article does not give project costs or funding, so none are cited here. The construction timelines were reported as of late July and may have changed. Before you plan a ride or a route, check the Fairfax County Park Authority and Fairfax County DOT pages for current closures and schedules. The May 2023 opening date is also from FFXnow coverage of the trail’s first section.
FAQ
How long is the 66 Parallel Trail?
About 20 miles, running from Centreville to Dunn Loring, according to FFXnow’s July 2026 report.
Can I get to Metro from the trail?
Yes. It reaches the Dunn Loring-Merrifield and Vienna Metro stations. The Vienna connection is currently on-road, and a permanent path is planned to start construction in 2027.
Which other trails does it connect to?
The W&OD Trail, the Fairfax County Parkway Trail and the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail, per the report.
Will construction close the trail?
VDOT says access to the Vienna Metro area will stay open during construction, with some temporary changes. Check current notices before you go.
Thinking about a move to a Northern Virginia neighborhood with trail access? Reach out to Nikki and she will help you compare options.