The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is not one continuous trail like the Appalachian Trail, but a network of trails strung together that run between the mouth of the Potomac River and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The theme follows George Washington’s dream of linking the Potomac with the Ohio River, which would facilitate trade between the east coast and the expanding western frontier. Overall, there are approximately 710 miles of trails in the system with segments in Pennsylvania, Washington, D. C., Maryland, and Virginia. Trail segments in the Washington area can be rather short, while the longest segment, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath, stretches for 184 miles from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland.
To hike the entire Potomac Heritage Trail is beyond the scope of National Park Planner, and thus this website is not the place to come for details on the trail. Visit the National Park Service’s official Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail website for better information. If during my travels to other National Parks I cross paths with the Potomac Heritage Trail, I will provide a trail review and other basic information.
Maryland
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Oxon Cove Park and Oxon Hill Farm: Hiker-Biker Trail
Virginia
Civil War Defenses of Washington: Fort Marcy Park
Great Falls Park: various trails in the park. See the Hiking Trails page.
Prince William Forest Park: Burma Road
Prince William Forest Park: Laurel Loop Trail
Prince William Forest Park: South Valley Trail
Prince William Forest Park: North Valley Trail
Washington D. C.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
LBJ Memorial Grove on the Potomac
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Last updated on April 10, 2020