Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

The National Park Service describes the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail as the “ultimate American heritage experience.” This trail system links the tidal Potomac and upper Youghiogheny river basins, allowing visitors to traverse these historic pathways and waterways by foot, bicycle, horse or boat. The trail network offers contrasts between the landscapes of the Chesapeake Bay and the Allegheny Plateau and offers something for everyone -- history, nature, recreation, wildlife, and conservation.

Visit https://www.nps.gov/pohe/planyourvisit/maps.htm to download the trail maps for the locations below located in South County!

Potomac Heritage Trail within George Washington Memorial Parkway (PDF; 40 MB; 2017), a 10-mile footpath between the trailhead for Theodore Roosevelt Island (and the Mount Vernon Trail) and Live Oak Lane (adjacent to the American Legion Bridge/I-495), including a parking area within Scott's Run Nature Preserve.

Mount Vernon Trail, 17 miles within George Washington Memorial Parkway, between the trailhead for Theodore Roosevelt Island/PHT and Mount Vernon Estate.

A brochure on the Woodlawn Historic District (PDF, 8.5 MB; 2017) explores the many layers of history in this area of southern Fairfax County and illustrates walking and bicycling routes connecting George Washington's Distillery and Gristmill, Woodlawn and the Pope-Leighey House, hotels and associated sites.

Southern Fairfax & Prince William Counties, Virginia (PDF; 5.5 MB; 2016), a developing PHT network between Mount Vernon Estate and Locust Shade Park (in s. Prince William County), including Mason Neck and Prince William Forest Park; please contact us with corrections and suggestions.