Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail was designated a unit of the National System by an act of Congress in 1983. The Potomac Heritage Trail Association is working to compete the entire proposed 704-mile trail which will trace outstanding natural and cultural features of the Potomac River Basin in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

The section of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHT) located in Virginia parallels the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) and extends from Theodore Roosevelt Island north to the American Legion Bridge. This ten mile stretch of the PHT, which winds along the Potomac River through the steep rocky hillsides of the palisades and through forested stream valleys, is maintained by members of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Most of the route is fairly level, with short, steep ascents and descents. The many streams are crossed by stepping on rocks; they can be icy in winter and muddy year round. Sycamore, oak, poplar, and beech trees shade most of the trail in summer. In every season of the year, the PHT offers hikers a tranquil walk through the "wilderness" inside the Beltway.

Hiking Tips:

Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes. Much of the PHT is rocky and is muddy and slippery. Use caution in wet weather; high water sometimes covers parts of the trail.

Trail Etiquette:

Keep the PHT clean; Litter detracts from everyone's hiking experience. Please stay on the trail to prevent erosion and leave plants and wildlife undisturbed in their natural habitat. Bicycles are prohibited on the PHT.

Access to the Potomac Heritage Trail

Trail heads may be reached by car from several points on the GWMP and from Arlington, VA. The Theodore Roosevelt Island trail head is also accessible from the Rosslyn Metro station. The eight trail heads are listed below beginning at the Theodore Roosevelt Island parking lot north to Live Oak Drive in McLean, Virginia; trail mileage (TM) is also listed.

Theodore Roosevelt Island - TM 0.00 Ample parking in parking lot, accessible from north-bound lanes of the GWMP west of Roosevelt Bridge. Also accessible by foot from the Mount Vernon Trail and the Rosslyn Metro station; from the Virginia side of the Key Bridge, follow the paved path to the right and cross the pedestrian bridge over GWMP. The trail begins on the river side at the foot of the bridge.

For an additional hike, try the "Key-Chain" Circuit Hike (9.2 miles): Walk across Key Bridge, descend steps to towpath on the C & O Canal; walk upriver and cross Chain Bridge into Virginia; cross Glebe Road and follow PHT south to Theodore Roosevelt Island.

Note:

Stream crossings at access routes to Windy Run, Donaldson Run, Gulf Branch and Turkey Run are on rocks which may be submerged during high water.

Windy Run - TM 1.7 - 0.5 mile hike from the end of Kenmore Street off Lorcom Lane between Spout Run Drive and Nellie Custis Drive. The trail is unmarked but follows Windy Run. The last portion descends about fifty rough stone steps.

Donaldson Run - TM 3.1 - 0.8 mile hike from Potomac Overlook Park parking lot at the end of Marcy Street off Military Road, partly on paved road, partly on unblazed path starting at sign pointing to Donaldson Run. The portion which goes under GWMP is rocky; the final portion is steep and slippery in wet weather.

Gulf Branch - TM 3.6 - 0.4 mile unmarked but obvious path beside Gulf branch from steps leading down from 36th Road near Nelson Street off Military Road. Rough stone steps lead to the river; switchbacks carry the PHT north to a bluff overlooking the river.

North Glebe Road and Route 123 at Chain Bridge - TM 4.1Limited parking just off North Glebe road under GWMP. PHT climbs steeply under GWMP overpass to the south and follows Pimmet Run to the north.

For an additional hike take the - "Key-Chain" Circuit Hike (9.2 miles): Cross Chain Bridge, descend to the towpath on the C & O Canal; head to Key Bridge, proceed up the stairs downriver and across Key Bridge; follow the sidewalk into Roslyn; follow signs for Theodore Roosevelt Island.

Fort Marcy - TM 4.9 Ample parking at Fort Marcy parking lot, accessible from north-bound lanes of the GWMP just south of Route 123 exit, six miles north of Theodore Roosevelt Island.

Turkey Run Park - TM 8.3 Ample parking in the Turkey Run parking lots. Rest rooms and picnic areas are also available. Park is accessible from the north or south bound lanes of the GWMP. Yellow-blazed park trails at parking area C-1 and area A lead down to the PHT.

Live Oak Drive - TM 10.0 Limited parking in the cul-de-sac at the end of Live Oak Drive. From Route 193 (Georgetown Pike) turn east on Balls Hill Road and left over Capital Beltway on Live Oak drive.

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