sunset over a river

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail ยท District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia

NPS Photo / Steve Dean

๐Ÿ“ StateDistrict of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia
๐Ÿ›๏ธ TypeNational Scenic Trail
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ EntryFree
๐Ÿƒ Activities6
Official NPS Website โ†’
Potomac Heritage Trail

Long-distance hiking trail in the United States

The Potomac Heritage Trail, also known as the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail or the PHT, is a designated National Scenic Trail corridor spanning parts of the mid-Atlantic region of the United States that will connect various trails and historic sites in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. The trail network includes 710 miles (1,140ย km) of existing and planned sections, tracing the natural, historical, and cultural features of the Potomac River corridor, the upper Ohio River watershed in Pennsylvania and western Maryland, and a portion of the Rappahannock River watershed in Virginia. The trail is managed by the National Park Service and is one of three National Trails that are official NPS units.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

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!

Park Photos

sunset over a river
A bicycle sits on a bright summer day overlooking the rolling mountains in the distance.
blue flowers bloom next to a trail

Activities

Operating Hours

Always open

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail?

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is free to enter.

What are the best activities at Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail?

Popular activities at Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail include: Biking, Camping, Hiking, Paddling, Junior Ranger Program, Wildlife Watching.

What is the weather like at Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail?

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.

How do I get to Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail?

The administrative office for the NPS Potomac Heritage NST is located at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park headquarters.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

Weather

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.

Directions

The administrative office for the NPS Potomac Heritage NST is located at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park headquarters.

๐Ÿ“ View on Google Maps โ†’

Location

Official Resources

NPS Official Website