potomac-heritage | DC | Find park

A man, woman and child stand overlooking a valley of mountains and trees on a sunny summer day.

Monroe Run Trailhead, Garrett County

In a wooded setting, a biker is riding along the unpaved C&O Canal Towpath, parallel to the canal.

A biker riding along the C&O Canal Towpath

A bicycle sits on a bright summer day overlooking the rolling mountains in the distance.

Great Allegheny Passage is a bicyclist enthusiasts' dream come true!

Signage stating "Enter Trail Here" sits before a trail head in a wooded fall setting with bare trees

Trail head entrance signage depicts the start of a trail head segment.

Two rows of over-turned kayaks sit on the beach with trees and water in the distance on a cloudy day

Kayaks are ready for paddlers on the beach!

A wetland with wildlife at Piscataway Park

Piscataway Park offers a glimpse into the wildlife living in the wetlands of Southern Maryland.

Paddling down the river is a popular activity on the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.

Across the tidal basic overlooks the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial.

The Potomac Heritage NST goes into Washington, D.C., attracting history buffs and bicyclists alike!

A biker riding through an illuminated tunnel in a wooded setting.

A biker rides on the trails in Northern Virginia.

Physical Address:

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

c/o Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Williamsport, MD 21795

Mailing Address:

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

c/o Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Williamsport, MD 21795

contact-details

Phone Number: 301-739-4200 Voice

Email Address: choh_superintendent@nps.gov
Description: Emails are routed to the C&O Canal superintendent's office.

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

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. Start your journey here!

park designation:National Scenic Trail

Directions:

The administrative office for the NPS Potomac Heritage NST is located at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park headquarters.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Always open

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.

Weather Information:

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.