Washington, D.C.

Cyclist rides along a path with the National Monument in the background.

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Exploring the Washington, D.C. Region

There are three sections of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail within Washington, D.C. - the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail, Rock Creek Park, and National Capital Parks East. All three sections offer a unique escape from the hussle and bussle of Washington, D.C. and a glimpse into our Nation's historical, natural, and cultural resources.

Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail

The Civil War Defenses of Washington is a collection of 17 original forts and batteries located around Washington, D.C. and managed by the National Park Service. Each of the 17 historic sites within the Civil War Defenses of Washington can be visited by following the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail route. The Civil War Defenses of Washington section of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail can be biked or hiked and offers visitors a brief glimpse into the rich historical past of our nation’s capital during the Civil War. For more information on the Civil War Defenses of Washington, please visit Civil War Defenses of Washington (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).

Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park is a 1,754-acre park located within the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C. Established in 1890, Rock Creek Park is one of the oldest National Parks and has offered residents of the nation’s capital and visitors from across the globe a breath of fresh air within the city for over 130 years. While the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail officially follows just under 5 miles of trails within Rock Creek Park, the Trail links visitors to other recreational opportunities within Rock Creek Park. To find out more information about Rock Creek Park and for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, please visit Rock Creek Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

National Capital Region East

National Capital Region-East manages 14 regional park units in Eastern Washington, D.C. and Prince George’s County, Maryland. The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail connects parks, historical sites, and forts throughout the National Capital Region-East and offers both an immersive historical experience and abundance of recreational opportunity. The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail within the National Capital Region-East connects the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens to Piscataway Park following the Potomac River. To find out more information about the National Capital Region-East, please visit National Capital Parks-East (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).