Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a network of locally-managed trails between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands. Through five geographic regions, the varied Trail segments are a means to explore the origins and continuing evolution of the Nation. To date, 830 miles of existing and planned trails have been recognized as segments of the Trail network. Learn more about this developing trail system (PDF).

Visit Potomac Heritage Explorer, a suite of itineraries providing a portal to various Trail segments and a wide range of outdoor experiences. While exploring, please remember that your actions can affect the future of local trails: Follow "Leave no Trace" principles, respect private property, and support the businesses along that help to sustain resources and provide recreation, food, restrooms and lodging.

Water Trails and the Potomac River: - "Blueway" maps are available for the southern, middle and western reaches of the Potomac River and for some tributaries. Below are links to maps and other information.

Southern Reaches (DC to Chesapeake Bay)

• Lower Potomac water trail map
• Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network
• Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
• Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
• Maryland Boating Services

Middle Potomac

• The Middle Potomac River Water Trail

Upper Potomac

• Upper Potomac River Water Trail

Land Trails

Caption: The Potomac Heritage Trail through Veteran's Park in Prince William County

The following Web sites have more information on non-motorized trails and access points along the Potomac.

• Eastern Loudoun Linear Park system
• Mount Vernon Trail
• Dr. Ira Gabrielson Trail at Algonquian Regional Park
• Prince William County network
• Northern Neck Bicycling Route Network

Do you know of other trails we should feature? Send the web address or a PDF of the trail map to Jennifer Wampler.

Agritourism Offerings in the Watershed

• Visit the Virginia Grown Web site to see if you are near farmers markets, orchards or pick-your-own produce.
• Interested in visiting a Virginia winery? Learn more.

American Scenic Byways along the Trail

• George Washington Memorial Parkway

State Parks along the Trail

• Mason Neck State Park
• Leesylvania State Park
• Widewater State Park (under development)
• Caledon Natural Area State Park
• Westmoreland State Park

Bureau of Land Management Recreation Areas

• Meadowood Recreation Area

National Parks near the Potomac River

• Arlington House
• Prince William Forest Park
• George Washington Birthplace National Monument

National Wildlife Refuges near the Potomac River

• Occoquan Bay NWR
• Mason Neck NWR
• Featherston NWR

Historic Homes, Museums and Visitor Centers

• Morven Park
• Tomb of the Unknowns
• Mount Vernon
• Torpedo Factory Art Center
• Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site
• Gunston Hall
• Woodlawn Plantation
• National Museum of the Marine Corp
• George Washington's Ferry Farm
• Stratford Hall
• James Monroe Birthplace

Plans and Studies

• A Development and Management Plan for the Potomac Heritiage National Scenic Trail in Virginia
• Corridor Analysis for the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Northern Virginia
• Implementation Plan for the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Loudoun County
• Implementation Plan for the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Fairfax County

Partners

Commonwealth of Virginia

• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Virginia Department of Historic Resources
• Virginia Tourism Corporation

Northern Virginia

• Loudoun County Convention and Visitors Bureau
  (800) 752-6118
• Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
  (703) 777-0343
• Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (Janelia Farm easement, Algonkian Regional Park & Lowe's Island trail corridor)
  (703) 352-5900
• Arlington Convention and Visitors Service
• Visit Fairfax
• Fairfax County Park Authority
  (703) 759-9018
• George Washington Memorial Parkway, National Park Service Great Falls Park, Potomac Heritage Trail & Mount Vernon Trail,
  (703) 289-2500
• Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association
  (703) 838-4200
• City of Alexandria Department of Transportation and Environmental Services
• City of Alexandria Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs
• Alexandria Archeology
• Prince William County/Manassas Convention and Visitors Bureau
  (800) 432-1792
• Prince William County Park Authority
  (703) 792-7060
• Leesylvania State Park
• Occoquan and Featherstone National Wildlife Refuges
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Prince William Forest Park, National Park Service
• Northern Virginia Regional Commission

Stafford and King George counties

• Stafford County Tourism
  (800) 325-2059
• Stafford County Department of Parks and Recreation
  (540) 658-4871
• George Washington Regional Commission
• Caledon Natural Area State Park

Northern Neck

• Northern Neck Tourism Council
  (804) 333-1919
• Northern Neck Planning District Commission
• Westmoreland State Park