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
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Weather now72°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.
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Wildlife Watching - Government Island
Located in Stafford, VA, this section of trail offers a boardwalk through a freshwater wetland and marsh habitat and a loop around a forested island. There are abundant opportunities for bird…
Learn more about Wildlife Watching - Government Island on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Wildlife Watching - Oldtown C&O Canal
Head down the C&O Canal NHP towpath in Oldtown, Maryland into a rare ecosystem mirroring that of the West. Spot a variety of wildlife and dragonfly species in this secluded hotspot.
Learn more about Wildlife Watching - Oldtown C&O Canal on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Wildlife Watching - Point Lookout State Park
Reservation required
At the terminus of the PHT lays Point Lookout, a Maryland State Park known for its history, but also its birding. Birding enthusiasts can catch sight of rare waterfowl during the winter months and in…
Learn more about Wildlife Watching - Point Lookout State Park on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Wildlife Watching - Riverbend Park
Step onto the Potomac Heritage Trail at Riverbend Park and look out for bald eagles, osprey, belted kingfishers, mergansers, and more!
Learn more about Wildlife Watching - Riverbend Park 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
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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
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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
72°F
Partly Cloudy · feels like 69°
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Today
75° 59°
Overcast76% rain -
Tomorrow
81° 56°
Sunny7% rain -
Wednesday
87° 65°
Sunny36% rain
Updated 2 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
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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
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