Hiking

Short hikes & multi-day backpacking trips: Explore the diversity of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail corridor on foot

Hiking opportunities are extensive throughout the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail network and one of the best ways to experience the beauty, history and culture of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail corridor. Just as early Americans saw the corridor as a passage between the Chesapeake Bay and lands beyond the Alleghenies, we use some of the same routes today as pathways to discovery.

 

 

Laurel Highlands

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail follows the 70-mile Laurel Highlands hiking trail, stretching along Laurel Mountain at Ohiopyle State Park to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. There is something for everyone along its 70 miles, with seasoned backpackers challenging themselves on steep, rugged areas of the trails and casual hikers enjoying less strenuous areas pleasant for walking.

Six trailheads provide 30-car parking lots:

• Maple Summit Road Parking 11.2 mi
• PA 653 Trailhead 18.8 mi
• PA 31 Trailhead 30.6 mi
• US 30 Trailhead 45.8
• PA 271 Trailhead 56.9
• PA 56 Trailhead 70 mi

There are also eight shelter areas providing overnight stays (reservation required). Visit Department of Conservation and Natural Resources | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources| Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for maps and reservation information.

 

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 hikes or backpacking 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

 

Eastern Continental Divide

The Eastern Continental Divide Loop is a developing 150-mile network of multi-use trails in Garret County, MD and Somerset County, PA. The trail is meant to eventually connect Maryland’s largest wild forests with state parks, communities, and the Great Allegheny Passage. Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail currently shares a few sections with the Eastern Continental Divide Loop, including these hiking trails:

• Big Savage Trail - 17 miles
• Meadow Mountain Trail - 14 miles
• Monroe Run Trail - 5 miles (one-way)
• Indian Turnip Trail - 3.4-miles out-and-back

 

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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 hiked or backpacked. 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 hikers. 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).

Hiker 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 hike through the hilltops of Washington, D.C. on the Civil War Defenses of Washington Trail, walk 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.

Sites with hiking along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail:

• Great Falls Park
• Algonkian Regional Park
• Riverbend Park
• Prince William Forest Park
• Government Island
• Scotts Run Nature Preserve