TRAILS

All trails are primarily on sidewalks with occasional natural surfaces. Some areas may be difficulty for strollers and wheelchairs due to local differences in accessibility. Alternate routes are available on some trails. Trails are mostly flat, with an occasional exception (Rated 1 to 2+ on a 5 scale).

​The routes may qualify for other current (and expired) Special Programs; check with the Finish Table to be sure you receive all the stamps earned on your route today. We will stamp any AVA Special Program book for which the walker feels the event qualifies.

The US FreedomWalk Festival is a member of two walking organizations: the American Volkssport Association and the International Marching League.

• The American Volkssport Association (AVA),is the American affiliate of the International Volkssport Federation (IVV). Member clubs of the AVA and IVV put on non-competitive athletic events, mostly walking, but also bike, swim and other sporting events. The walking events are commonly referred to as volksmarches. All events are open to the public, and, as stated, non-competitive. Awards (certificates, hatpins, metals and patches) are given out upon completion of set numbers of events and/or distances. 

• The International Marching League Walking Association (IML), events are multiple days, usually two days, but sometimes three or four. To earn the IML award, at least 20 km must be walked each of the primary walking days. 

• Children under 10, adults 70 and over and anyone with disabilities are eligible for an IML stamp if the event has an official distance of at least 10km and less then 20km.

FRIDAY - Welcome Walk

On Friday, experience Arlington, Virginia hospitality with a Welcome Walk west of the Potomac River. 

Friday’s trails are 5 and 10 km long (3 / 6 miles).  In 2022, Arlington was named one of five Walk Friendly Platinum Communities in the U.S. along with much larger cities like San Fancisco and New York City.

SATURDAY

For our Saturday Walk, choose between the 6 km (+/-), 12 km (+/-), or 21 km (+/-) route.

The walks go by the embassies, memorials, the National Mall, and all three branches of the federal government.

SUNDAY

For our Sunday Walk, choose between the 6 km (+/-), 12 km (+/-), or 21 km (+/-) route.

Walks branch out to the C&O Canal and other parks depending on the distance selected by the participants.