Fairfax County Trail Maps

Several people have asked about the Fairfax County Existing Trail Maps that are on display at the store. They were produced by the Fairfax County Trails Coordinator, Sheng Leu, with input from the Non-motorized Transportation Committee. Committee members took parcel maps and walked, biked and drove around the 9 supervisor districts to determine where the major trails and sidewalks were located. Sheng Leu and an intern used those maps and aerial photos to then draw the maps on the computer using a geographic information system. This data was then used to create the existing trails maps.

The maps were divided into four quadrants. The NW and NE quadrants make up the Northern Portion map, and the SW and SE are the Southern Portion. The maps are available on the committee website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nmtc/maps.html. They are large PDF files, so a broadband connection is recommended for downloading and viewing.

The maps are undergoing revision. On the current maps, the symbol for sidewalks and trails are the same, regardless of width or type of material (concrete vs. asphalt). Since most cyclists do not ride on sidewalks, it is important to indicate the difference on the map. On the updated maps, different symbols will be used for 4- and 5-foot sidewalks vs. 8-10-foot paved trails. The new maps will also include many segments that were omitted or built since the publication of the existing map. Publication is expected by the end of this year.

Paper copies of the trails maps are available from the Publications Center located at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 156, Fairfax, Va. 22035. Hours: 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. Phone: (703) 324-2974.