Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a national scenic trail run by the National Park Service in 4 states.
In the park service’s words
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!
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Things to do
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 (1 to 5 Hours): 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.
- 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!
- Bike the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Prince William Forest Park (1 to 3 Hours): 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 step out onto the towpath and enjoy a short or multi-mile journey along the historic canal
Fees and hours
Entrance fee: No entrance fee.
Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. 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.
Getting there
The administrative office for the NPS Potomac Heritage NST is located at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park headquarters.
| Airport | City | Drive to the park | Straight-line miles | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) | Dulles, VA | No road route | 15 | Large hub |
| Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) | Washington, DC | No road route | 33 | Large hub |
| Hagerstown Regional Richard A Henson Field (HGR) | Hagerstown, MD | No road route | 40 | Regional |
Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.
Miles are straight-line distances.
Visitor centers
- Williamsport Visitor Center - Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 4:00PM. Please check with the park directly for hours and other information.
- Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center - Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park: Mon Closed; Tue Closed; Wed 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Thu 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Fri 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sat 9:00AM - 4:00PM; Sun 9:00AM - 4:00PM. Please check with the park directly for hours and other information.
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.
From the National Park Service (public domain).
Know before you go
Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.
Nearby
The nearest national park is Shenandoah, about 62 miles away in a straight line.
Sources
- National Park Service Data API: Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (public domain)
- Official website
Last checked 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee at Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail?
No entrance fee.
Where is Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail?
In District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Washington Dulles International Airport, about 15 miles away.
More sites nearby
Other Park Service sitesAfrican American Civil War Memorial
Park Service site in District of Columbia. No entrance fee.
TrailsAla Kahakai National Historic Trail
National Historic Trail in Hawaii. No entrance fee. 1 hikes listed.
Historic sitesAllegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site
National Historic Site in Pennsylvania. No entrance fee. 5 hikes listed.
Other Park Service sitesAnacostia Park
Park in District of Columbia. No entrance fee.
BattlefieldsAntietam National Battlefield
National Battlefield in Maryland. $20 per vehicle. 1 hikes listed.
TrailsAppalachian National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail in 14 states. No entrance fee. 1 hikes listed.