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National Scenic Trail · DC, MD, PA, VA
Things to do in Potomac Heritage
The National Park Service lists 56 things to do at Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. 48 have no extra fee, 51 need no reservation, and 48 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
Updated · NPS Data API
Bicycle between Point Lookout and Leonardtown, MD
Bicycling on a section of the Southern Maryland PHT On-Road Bicycling Route between Point Lookout and Leondardtown, MD
4-10 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Bicycle Colton's Point to Port Tobacco
For those seeking to explore Southern Maryland or to travel the extent of the Potomac Heritage NST corridor, bicycling and paddling, combined with some short hikes, are the best self-powered ways to experience the area.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
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 Mile 15.5) on the Great Allegheny Passage, then 8+ miles on-road to the northern trailhead for the Big Savage Mountain…
1-2 Days Spring, Summer, Fall
Bicycle Port Tobacco to Smallwood State Park
Port Tobacco Historic District and Smallwood State Park provide a contrast in landscape diversity, and travel between them is a fine bicycle ride. This route is part of the Adventure Cycling Association Tidewater Potomac Heritage Bicycling Route.
Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Bicycle Smallwood State Park to Oxon Cove Park
The on-road bicycling route between Smallwood State Park and Oxon Cove Park makes connections with parks and historic sites.
1-2 Days Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
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Bicycle the Great Allegheny Passage
The 70-mile section of the GAP between Cumberland, Maryland, and Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania, is popular for bicycling.
1-3 Days Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Bicycle the Northern Neck Heritage Trail
Bicycling between George Washington Birthplace National Monument/Westmoreland State Park and Reedville, Virginia.
1-2 Days Spring, Summer, Fall
Bicycle to a marina from Reedville, Virginia
Bicycle from Reedville, an historic village at the northeastern part of the Northern Neck of Virginia, to a marina for a fishing trip or charter tour on the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay.
1-2 Days Spring, Summer, Fall
Bike the C&O Canal Towpath
By bicycle or on foot, try a short day trip or travel the entire 184.5-mile length of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath.
3-5 Days Year-round Pets allowed
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.
1-3 Hours Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed
Birding at Fort Washington Park
Come for the history, stay for the birds. Fort Washington Park has a diverse array of bird species spread among its distinct ecosystems.
Year-round Pets allowed
Boating in Rock Creek Park
Rent kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards from one of two boat houses along the Potomac River.
Reservation required Fee applies
Collect Potomac Heritage NST Passport Stamps in Pennsylvania
Are you a "Passport to Your National Parks" cancellation stamp collector? The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail has a cancellation stamp to commemorate your visit along the Trail in Pennsylvania.
Pets allowed
Collect Potomac Heritage NST Passport Stamps in Virginia
Are you a "Passport to Your National Parks" cancellation stamp collector? The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail has a cancellation stamp to commemorate your visit along the Trail in Virginia.
Pets allowed
Collect Potomac Heritage NST Passport Stamps in Washington, DC
Are you a "Passport to Your National Parks" cancellation stamp collector? The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail has a cancellation stamp to commemorate your visit along the Trail in Washington, DC.
Pets allowed
Explore by bicycle from Westmoreland State Park
With Westmoreland State Park as a base, ride a loop connected with the Northern Neck Heritage Trail to explore Stratford Hall, the birthplace of George Washington, Colonial Beach, wineries, historic sites and the Potomac River shoreline.
1 Day Spring, Summer, Fall Reservation required Pets allowed
Explore the C&O Canal Williamsport Visitors Center
Visit the Williamsport Visitor Center at Cushwa Basin for information about the Canal and the surrounding area, sites including an aqueduct, rail lift-bridge, lockhouse, and operable locks.
20-60 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
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 greenspaces to forest ecosystems, all while recreating through a historic landscape.
1-5 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Explore the Georgetown Waterfront
Explore the Georgetown Waterfront and imagine the changes the space has gone through.
60-160 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Explore the tidal Potomac from the Northern Neck by boat
Through the watermen’s heritage tour program, visitors to Tidewater Virginia, including the Northern Neck, can experience the time-honored history and traditions of working watermen through a customized tour.
2-8 Hours Year-round Reservation required Fee applies Pets allowed
Explore the Trails at Meadowood
Hike, Bike, and Horseback Ride at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area.
1-4 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Explore the Trolley Barn at Cushwa Basin
The trolley barn is located across the parking lot from the Cushwa Building. In 1896, the first trolley line in Washington County, Maryland was built running from Williamsport to Hagerstown.
15-60 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall
Explore Washington’s Gristmill and Distillery Buildings
Explore George Washington’s enterprising Distillery and Gristmill ® on the extended Mount Vernon Estate. Washington’s ambitious and profitable Gristmill used groundbreaking technology in the 1790’s, and provided staple foods for the house, enslaved servicemen…
40-120 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Fee applies Pets allowed
George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Estates
Explore George Washington’s iconic Mount Vernon Mansion and Estate.
1-3 Days Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed
Hike Algonkian Regional Park to Difficult Run
This hike is mostly wooded; some parts are rocky and some can be rocky. But you will see, in some places, exceptional displays of bluebells in spring and colors in autumn.
3-6 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Along the Towpath Through the Paw Paw Tunnel
Walk through the 3,118-foot Paw Paw Tunnel, a significant engineering feature along Mile 155 of the C&O Canal towpath.
1-2 Minutes Pets allowed
Hike between Scott's Run Nature Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt Island
The ten-mile Potomac Heritage Trail within George Washington Memorial Parkway is a popular path, connecting at some places to neighborhood trails, Turkey Run picnic area and Chain Bridge.
4-7 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike Kephart Bridge Landing to Bles Park
The trailheads might at first seem difficult to find, but this segment of the PHT is one of the most accessible and developed in the corridor between White's Ferry and Scott's Run Nature Preserve.
1-2 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Hike the Big Savage Mountain Trail
The Big Savage Mountain Trail, managed by Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources, is an 18-mile footpath providing outstanding views of the high points in western Maryland.
1-2 Days Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike the Monroe Run Trail and Meadow Mountain Trail
Beginning at the western end of the Savage River Reservoir, this 9-mile hike ascends approximately 1900 feet, includes numerous creek crossings, and ends at a viewpoint above State Route 495 on the Meadow Mountain Trail.
4-7 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Hike the Northern Loop in Rock Creek Park
Enjoy an easy 5-mile round trip hike around the northern section of Rock Creek Park.
120 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Hiking at Oxon Cove Park
Hiking at Oxon Cove Park
30-120 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Hiking at Scott's Run Nature Preserve
Hike 0.7 miles to a view of a waterfall and/or 2 miles to a scenic overlook of the Potomac River.
45-120 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Laurel Highlands Day Hike to Youghiogheny Overlook
Take the 2.5-mile ascent to a large, flat topped rock formation overlooking the Youghiogheny River valley. Get a view of the Sugarloaf Knob and the gorges cutting into the ridge from side streams.
4 Hours Pets allowed
Multi-Park Loop
Park your car and stretch your legs! Visit four different National Parks in Washington, DC and begin logging miles on seven different National Historic or National Scenic trails!
Year-round Pets allowed
Paddle Friendsville MD to Confluence PA
Launch at Friendsville, Maryland, and paddle 13.5 miles to Confluence, Pennsylvania, taking out above the dam. Best paddled with a touring kayak, you initially navigate some small rapids on the Youghiogheny River before entering the still water of the Lake.
4-6 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Paddle Hoyes Run to Sang Run on the Upper Youghiogheny
A mostly easy paddle--kayak, canoe or raft--on upper Youghiogheny River and important to check water levels. Outfitters serve this area, offering shuttles and boats.
2-4 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Paddle Leonardtown to Colton's Point
Paddle approximately 12 miles from Leonardtown to Colton's Point via kayak or canoe, stopping at Newtowne Neck State Park. The trip is mostly on Breton Bay, but joins the Potomac and the mouth of St. Clement's Bay near Colton's Point.
1-2 Days Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Paddle Savage River Reservoir
This is a quiet, flat water paddle, approximately 2.6 miles end-to-end. To understand this trip in the context of the Eastern Continental Divide Loop, take note of the southern terminus of the Big Savage Mountain Trail below the dam and see Day 1 of "Do the…
1-2 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Paddle the Middle Potomac
Paddle from Potoma (sic) Wayside, at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, or another launch site and take out at Algonkian Regional Park or Riverbend Park (both Virginia side).
2-4 Days Year-round Pets allowed
Paddle the Potomac River
Beginning at Jennings Randolph Lake to the mouth of the Potomac, you may choose to paddle the 355 miles to the Chesapeake Bay or take a single or multi-day trip; all will give you a different view of the ways that previous residents used the river and its…
Pets allowed
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 step out onto the towpath and enjoy a short or multi-mile journey along the historic canal
Winter Pets allowed
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.
Winter Pets allowed
Soak Up Spectacular Views at the Great Falls Overlooks
Great Falls Park has many opportunities to explore history and nature, all in a beautiful 800-acre park only 15 miles from the Nation's Capital.
1-2 Hours Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed
Take a Boat Ride on the Canal
Today, visitors can enjoy life on the canal during a free replica canal launch boat program at Williamsport. During the late 19th and early 20th century, 30-foot battery and steam powered launch boats traveled the canal for leisure and business.
1-1 Hours Summer
Take a walk or bike ride on the Mount Vernon Trail
The Mount Vernon Trail winds alongside the Potomac River offering uninterrupted views of Washington, D.C.'s skyline. A run, walk, or cycle along the trail leads to all of the same sites that can be reached by car on the parallel section of the parkway.
1-4 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Take a walk through time to the bank of the Potomac River
Take a two-mile walk from the parking area to access the shoreline of the Potomac River to relax along the river, search for shark teeth, or enjoy a picnic at the overlook.
1-3 Hours Year-round Pets allowed
Take the Scenic Route on the Potomac Heritage Trail
There are many places to access the Potomac Heritage Trail, including many connector trails from county parks.
1-8 Hours Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed
Volunteer to complete the PHT in Northern Virginia
Volunteers are essential to complete the PHT network in Northern Virginia.
Year-round Pets allowed
Watch an Artillery Demonstration at Fort Washington Park
Ever wonder how Civil War cannons were fired? Visit the park the first Sunday of every month from May to November to watch the Fort Washington Guard demonstrate and explain the procedures used during the muzzle-loading era of American Artillery.
15-90 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Pets allowed
Wildlife Watching - Government Island
Located in Stafford, VA, this section of trail offers a boardwalk through a freshwater wetland and marsh habitat and a loop around a forested island. There are abundant opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing all times of year.
1-3 Hours Pets allowed
Wildlife Watching - Oldtown C&O Canal
Head down the C&O Canal NHP towpath in Oldtown, Maryland into a rare ecosystem mirroring that of the West. Spot a variety of wildlife and dragonfly species in this secluded hotspot.
2-4 Hours Pets allowed
Wildlife Watching - Point Lookout State Park
At the terminus of the PHT lays Point Lookout, a Maryland State Park known for its history, but also its birding.
Reservation required Pets allowed
Wildlife Watching - Riverbend Park
Step onto the Potomac Heritage Trail at Riverbend Park and look out for bald eagles, osprey, belted kingfishers, mergansers, and more!
Pets allowed
Woodlawn Manor and Pope-Leighey House
Tour Woodlawn Manor and Pope-Leighey House in the George Washington Memorial Parkway Corridor. View the vast differences in architecture from the early 1800’s to 1900’s in a unique juxtaposition along Route 1.
90 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Reservation required Fee applies
Before you go
Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Potomac Heritage. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.
Things to do at nearby parks
- Monocacy National Battlefield (MD)
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (WV, VA, MD)
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (DC, MD, WV)
- Manassas National Battlefield Park (VA)
- George Washington Memorial Parkway (DC, MD, VA)
- Antietam National Battlefield (MD)
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Sources
- National Park Service Data API — things to do, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026. Descriptions are short excerpts; photos are NPS photos shown from nps.gov with their credit.
- Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail — things to do on nps.gov