Conveniently situated between the charming incorporated towns of Vienna and Falls Church, Dunn Loring was a whistle stop on the Washington and Old Dominion Railroad, the right of way for which is now a 45-mile long bicycle path that extends from Alexandria to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Modern Dunn Loring is a family-oriented community characterized by a large proportion of spacious wooded lots. Its greatest asset is its location in close proximity to two Metro stations, the Tysons Corner shopping and office complex, and Fairfax Hospital, one of the largest and best hospital facilities in the Washington Metropolitan area. Dunn Loring is only twelve miles from the center of the Nation's capital. The area is supported by excellent public schools, including magnet schools of the well regarded Fairfax County Public School system. Although large thoroughfares such as Gallows Road, named for a colonial era site of public executions, bisect Dunn Loring, its overall ambience is that of a secluded country location. Nearby Merrifield is being developed to provide not only new office facilities, but also numerous restaurants, shops, and other conveniences. New multi-family and single family home developments are in the offing in Merrifield near the Dunn Loring Metro station. The increased population will be supported by innovative public transportation and bicycle facilities.