Anonymous wrote:OP, if it helps, I've been trail running in this area for years (40-year-old female, always running alone) and have NEVER felt threatened. My favorite is the Glover-Archbold, which you can pick up from the Capital crescent trail (or Foxhall rd) and take all the way up to Van Ness, for about 3.5 miles of good solid trail.
The Fairfax County Connector Trail is also great. I usually pick it up by Oak marr rec center - you get to field little streams, climb over fallen trees, and pick your way through some swampy areas. It's great.
OP here: thanks for the tips! i live by the Glover Archbold so that is great to know.