Biking

 

Two cyclists looking over a bridge.

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Short rides & multi-day bikepacking: Explore the diversity of the PHT corridor

Bicycling along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is one of the most popular recreational activities for visitors. The Trail is often completed in smaller regional sections; however, visitors do have the ability to stitch together these sections of the Trail to complete long-distance stretches.

If you are planning a bicycling trip along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, please visit use the resources below for more information on specific regions of Trail along with conditions, updates, events, and amenities.

 

Great Allegheny Passage

72 miles of the Great Allegheny Passage are part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. With dedicated campgrounds and amenities in nearby trail towns, the GAP trail makes for excellent day rides or bikepacking trips, and plenty of parking by which to explore a new section of the trail corridor.

Trailheads:

• Cumberland 0 mi
• Frostburg 15.5 mi
• Meyersdale 31.9 mi
• Rockwood 43.8 mi
• Confluence 61.6 mi
• Ohiopyle 71.9 mi

Parking and Trailheads:

• Garrett 36.5
• Markleton 50 mi
• Fort Hill 54.3 mi
• Ramcat 63.3 mi

 

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park - Maryland and Washington D.C.

The C&O Canal’s Towpath follows the 184.5 mile of the once operational Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (1828-1850). Today the canal endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures. All 184.5-miles of the canal towpath from Cumberland, MD to Washington D.C. are a part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and can be biked in shorty sections or as a multi-day bikepacking trip. The towpath is dense with historical structures, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Potomac River.

Visitor Centers Along the C&O Canal

• Georgetown Visitor Center 0.4 mi
• Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center 14.3 mi
• Brunswick Visitor Center/Brunswick Heritage Museum 55 mi
• Williamsport Visitor Center 99.8 mi
• Cumberland Visitor Center 184.5 mi

There are several primitive campsites (tent camping) along the C&O Canal for bikers. This is a summarized list for every 15-25 miles. For a comprehensive list of hiker campsites and other amenities visit Camping - Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Biker Camps

• Swains Lock 16.6 mi
• Turtle Run 34.4 mi
• Bald Eagle Island 50.3 mi
• Killansburg Cave 75.2 mi
• Big Woods 82.7 mi
• Cumberland Valley 95.2
• North Mountain 110 mi
• Little Pool 120.6 mi
• Devils Alley 144.5 mi
• Potomac Forks 164.8
• Evitts Creek 180.1 mi

 

Washington D.C.

In the nation’s capital you can bike through the hilltops of Washington, D.C. on the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail, pedal along the bank of the Potomac River, and marvel at the country’s most iconic memorials.

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail passes through multiple parks in D.C. ranging from paved sidewalks to quiet pockets of natural landscape within the city:

• Rock Creek Park
• Glover Archibald Trail
• Civil War Defenses of Washington Parks

 

Northern Virginia

While Northern Virginia remains one of the fastest growing regions in the United States, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail provides an escape from the buzz of growing cities. The Trail offers exceptional recreation opportunities, community connectivity, and alternative commuting routes for daily users. The Northern Virginia section of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail follows the Potomac River from Loudoun County, Virginia to Fredericksburg, Virginia and allows for on-road, multi-use path, and dirt trail biking.

Bike routes along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail:

• Washington and Old Dominion Trail - Goose Creek to Broad Run (multi-use path)
• Mt Vernon Trail (multi-use path)
• Meadowood Special Recreation Area (dirt trail)
• Mason Neck Peninsula - Mason Neck State Park and Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge (multi-use path)
• Occoquan National Wildlife Refuge (multi-use path, just outside the park gates)
• Leesylvania State Park (dirt trail)
• Prince William Forest Park (on-road bike route)
• Locust Shade State Park (dirt trail)

 

Northern Neck of Virginia

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail winds through miles of timberland, farms, and shoreline within the Northern Neck of Virginia region spanning from Sealston, Virginia to Reedville, Virginia. The seasoned cyclist will enjoy miles of on-road bike routes.

Bike routes along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail:

• Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail (multi-use path)
• Virginia State Route 644 to the Sunbnbak Ferry, ending in Reedville, Virginia (on-road bike route)

 

Southern Maryland

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail follows the Potomac River South of Washington, D.C. to Point Lookout State Park in Scotland, Maryland. While biking from Washington, D.C. to Point Lookout State Park, visitors can explore Maryland State Parks, Historic Districts, and Historic Sites learning about the rich heritage of Southern Maryland and how it has shaped the communities and landscapes visitors see today. The seasoned cyclist will enjoy miles of on-road bike routes.

Bike routes along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail:

• Route 5 from Leonardtown, Maryland turning off onto State Route 244 to Drayden Road/St George’s Church Road/Flat Iron Road, passing through Historic St. Mary’s City, and ending on State Route 5 in Point Lookout State Park (on-road bike route)