The Potomac Heritage Trail is a 10-mile long scenic hiking trail following the Potomac River north from the Theodore Roosevelt Island parking lot to the American Legion Bridge on I-495. The trail offers sweeping views of the Potomac River and Potomac Palisades along steep, rocky, forested hillsides, home to a diverse community of plants and animals.  The trail follows the wooded hillsides used for centuries by Native Americans as fishing and trading grounds, the historic route taken by Captain John Smith in 1608, and the economic corridor George Washington envisioned to expand transportation and trade westward. 

The Potomac Heritage Trail provides access to several sites along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, including Theodore Roosevelt Island, Fort Marcy, and Turkey Run Park. It also connects to several local parks including Potomac Overlook Park and Gulf Branch Nature Center.

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Trail Access Points

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Windy Run (closed)

Potomac Overlook Trail

Gulf Branch Trail

Glebe Road near Chain Bridge

Fort Marcy

Turkey Run Park

Live Oak Drive

 

Parking

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Glebe Road near Chain Bridge (limited)

Fort Marcy

Turkey Run Park

 

Things to Bring

 

The Potomac Heritage Trail is an unpaved hiking trail with uneven, rocky, stream crossings, and occasionally muddy terrain. Sturdy, waterproof boots are recommended. 

 

Water is not available on the trail. Bring enough water to complete your hike safely.

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Preserve, Protect, and Enjoy

Pack out everything that you brought into the park.

The removal of plants, animals, or cultural artifacts are prohibited.

Dogs are allowed on the Potomac Heritage Trail. For the safety of wildlife, hikers, and dogs, they must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. All pet waste must be removed from the park.

Bicycles are not permitted on the Potomac Heritage Trail.

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The Potomac Heritage Trail is administered by the George Washington Memorial Parkway.  Visit their website at http://www.nps.gov/gwmp

The Potomac Heritage Trail is a segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, a network of 830 miles of existing and planned trails that follow the Potomac River through federal, state, and locally owned parks.  Visit their website at http://www.nps.gov/pohe