About Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
Weather associated with the PHT network is typical of a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons and variable precipitation throughout the year. Temperatures can vary from a high of 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to 0 degrees in the winter.
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Operating Hours
The Trail is open year-round, weather permitting. Our partners who manage specific sections of the trails may have seasonal openings and closings. Please refer to our Operating Hours & Seasons page for more information.
Activities
Getting There
The administrative office for the NPS Potomac Heritage NST is located at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park headquarters.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Volunteer to complete the PHT in Northern Virginia
Volunteers are essential to complete the PHT network in Northern Virginia.
Explore the Civil War Defenses of Washington Hiker-Biker Trail
Hike or bike the 7-mile trail from Fort Stanton to Fort Mahan and take in scenery that ranges from urban…
Multi-Park Loop
Park your car and stretch your legs! Visit four different National Parks in Washington, DC and begin logging miles on…
Bike the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Prince William Forest Park
Discover Northern Virginia's best kept secret and bike along the park’s Scenic Drive.
Skiing and Snowshoeing the C&O Canal Towpath
During the winter months, the C&O Canal may accumulate enough snow for winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing. Visitors can…
Explore the Trails at Meadowood
Hike, Bike, and Horseback Ride at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area.
More Things to Do
Additional activities and experiences from the National Park Service.
Skiing and Snowshoeing the Great Allegheny Passage
Although it is not groomed for cross-country skiing, the Great Allegheny Passage offers a beautiful winter landscape for snowshoers and cross-country skiers.…
Bicycle Confluence to Big Savage Mountain
To reach Big Savage Mountain on the Eastern Continental Divide loop, bicycle 46 miles from Confluence (GAP Mile 61.3) to Frostburg (GAP…
Bicycle the Great Allegheny Passage
The 70-mile section of the GAP between Cumberland, Maryland, and Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania, is popular for bicycling.
Boating in Rock Creek Park
Rent kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards from one of two boat houses along the Potomac River.