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Although less than two miles long, the Meadowlark Connector Trail provides a terrific link between the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and the popular W&OD Trail. The trail meets the W&OD in Vienna; trail-goers can then take the longer trail southeast into Arlington or northwest to Purcellville.
The connector is paved with one short section that runs on a quiet roadway. At its northern end, the 95-acre Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, open daily year-round, offers beauty around every corner. Walking paths wind around ponds, native trees, wildflowers, a butterfly garden, a Korean cultural garden, and many other visual sites. As of 2014, the entry fee was $5.00 for adults and less for children and those 55 or older.
Access the trail at its north end at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens (9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna).
The Meadowlark Connector trail was dedicated in 2014.
Reach it from milepost 14 on the W&OD trail. The connector has a short bridge across the Piney Branch stream and then continues up Meadowlark Road.
A short portion of the trail is on the street, but it is a quiet residential street. One can choose to stay on Meadowlark Road traveling up the hill to Meadowlark Gardens or take the paved trail that runs along the perimeter of the Gardens. I prefer to stay on the road as the hills are a bit longer (meaning less steep). The paved trail undulates more.
The hills on this one mile connector are a nice change as the W&OD trail has very few hills.
On my last visit, there weren't any bike racks at Meadowlark Gardens, but there are ways to secure your bicycle.
The Gardens, a part of NoVA Parks, has a large parking area, so for some, it is a good place to start a bike trip along the 45 mile W&OD Trail.
At the W&OD end of the connector, there is a small rest area. No services, only two benches under cover and a place to secure a few bicycles.
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