Start your journey here!
Photo: NPS Photo / Steve Dean
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
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.
- LocationWilliamsport, MD
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
-
Weather now62°F Partly Cloudy
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- American Revolution
- Animals
- Architecture and Building
- Armories
- Artillery
- Battlefields
- Canals
- Farming and Agriculture
9 more topics
- Forests and Woodlands
- Forts
- Military
- River and Riparian
- Scenic Views
- Trains and Railroads
- Transportation
- Tunnels
- Watersheds
Things to Do
53 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
-
Hike Algonkian Regional Park to Difficult Run
This hike is mostly wooded; some parts are rocky and some can be rocky. But you will see, in some places, exceptional displays of bluebells in spring and colors in autumn. Management partners include…
Learn more about Hike Algonkian Regional Park to Difficult Run on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hike between Scott's Run Nature Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt Island
The ten-mile Potomac Heritage Trail within George Washington Memorial Parkway is a popular path, connecting at some places to neighborhood trails, Turkey Run picnic area and Chain Bridge. Here…
Learn more about Hike between Scott's Run Nature Preserve and Theodore Roosevelt Island on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hike Kephart Bridge Landing to Bles Park
The trailheads might at first seem difficult to find, but this segment of the PHT is one of the most accessible and developed in the corridor between White's Ferry and Scott's Run Nature Preserve…
Learn more about Hike Kephart Bridge Landing to Bles Park on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Volunteer to complete the PHT in Northern Virginia
Volunteers are essential to complete the PHT network in Northern Virginia.
Learn more about Volunteer to complete the PHT in Northern Virginia on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 4 of 4
All 6 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor Centers
-
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center - Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Visitor Center
The Great Falls Tavern originally functioned as one of the many lockhouses along the canal and serviced thousands of boats that passed through Lock 20 on the way to and…
11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD Directions
Details
The Great Falls Tavern originally functioned as one of the many lockhouses along the canal and serviced thousands of boats that passed through Lock 20 on the way to and from Cumberland, MD and Georgetown in Washington, DC. Today the Great Falls Tavern remains a hub of activity as it acts as one of C&O Canal National Historical Park's visitor centers. Here, visitors can get information about the park's programs, hiking trails, and history. Please check with the park directly for hours and other information. -
Williamsport Visitor Center - Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Visitor Center
The Cushwa Basin Visitor Center in Williamsport is located at mile 99.8 along the C&O Canal towpath in Washington County, MD. Situated at the confluence of the…
205 West Potomac St., Williamsport, MD Directions
Details
The Cushwa Basin Visitor Center in Williamsport is located at mile 99.8 along the C&O Canal towpath in Washington County, MD. Situated at the confluence of the Conococheague Creek and the Potomac River, Williamsport was first settled in 1740. A half-mile rewatered section of canal leads through the turning basin, under the only railroad lift bridge on the canal, and continues to Lockhouse 44 and the adjacent lock. Please check with the park directly for hours and other information.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Always open
Hours details
-
Always openOpen 24 hours, daily
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.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, c/o Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical ParkWilliamsport, MD 21795
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
62°F
Partly Cloudy · feels like 62°
-
Today
81° 56°
Sunny7% rain -
Tomorrow
87° 65°
Sunny36% rain
Updated 5 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Photos
-
Follow the blue blazes along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail! — NPS Photo
Getting There
Williamsport, MD 21795
The administrative office for the NPS Potomac Heritage NST is located at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park headquarters.
Mailing address: Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, Williamsport, MD 21795
Map loads when you scroll here