Loudoun County’s network of unpaved roads is a treasure for outdoor enthusiasts, attracting cyclists, runners and equestrians from throughout the country.
To assist visitors and residents, the Loudoun County Office of Mapping and Geographic Information has launched a new mobile-friendly online map of the county’s unpaved roads.
In 2020, Loudoun County’s 300-year-old rural road network received recognition as a valuable historic asset, as the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR) declared the estimated 260 miles of roads officially eligible for listing on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
Many unpaved roads remain in their original alignment in Loudoun County, shaped by centuries of travel and representing the migration, settlement and travel patterns of the county’s early populations. Travelers on many of these roads can view Loudoun’s landscape much as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Loudoun County road surfaces can change quickly from asphalt to gravel, so the map will help travelers plan their bike, riding or running paths. The online map also allows users to provide information on roads they travel, which will help staff keep the map updated to current conditions. The map also indicates whether unpaved roads are public or private, and who is responsible for maintenance.
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