Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Bicycle Colton's Point to Port Tobacco

For those seeking to explore Southern Maryland or to travel the extent of the Potomac Heritage NST corridor, bicycling and paddling, combined with some short hikes, are the best self-powered ways to experience the area. The 38-mile bicycling route between Colton's Point/St. Clement's Island Museum and Port Tobacco (or vice versa) is part of the Adventure Cycling Association "Tidewater Potomac Heritage" map set.

Bicycle Confluence to Big Savage Mountain

To reach Big Savage Mountain on the Eastern Continental Divide loop, bicycle 46 miles from Confluence (GAP Mile 61.3) to Frostburg (GAP Mile 15.5) on the Great Allegheny Passage, then 8+ miles on-road to the northern trailhead for the Big Savage Mountain Trail. While on the GAP, on your way to Frostburg, you will cross the Eastern Continental Divide. 

Bicycle Port Tobacco to Smallwood State Park

Port Tobacco Historic District and Smallwood State Park provide a contrast in landscape diversity, and travel between them is a fine bicycle ride. This route is part of the Adventure Cycling Association Tidewater Potomac Heritage Bicycling Route.

Bicycle the Great Allegheny Passage

The 70-mile section of the GAP between Cumberland, Maryland, and Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania, is popular for bicycling.

Bike the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Prince William Forest Park

Discover Northern Virginia's best kept secret and bike along the park’s Scenic Drive.

Explore the Trails at Meadowood

Hike, Bike, and Horseback Ride at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area.

Explore Washington’s Gristmill and Distillery Buildings

Explore George Washington’s enterprising Distillery and Gristmill ® on the extended Mount Vernon Estate. Washington’s ambitious and profitable Gristmill used groundbreaking technology in the 1790’s, and provided staple foods for the house, enslaved servicemen and women of the house.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Estates

Explore George Washington’s iconic Mount Vernon Mansion and Estate.

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. One can also access the PHT 1.4 miles upstream from Kephart Bridge Landing via a sidewalk along Riverside Parkway (no parking).

Hike the Big Savage Mountain Trail

The Big Savage Mountain Trail, managed by Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources, is an 18-mile footpath providing outstanding views of the high points in western Maryland. Best traversed north to south, the Trail is a challenging one-day hike or can be an overnight; a permit for backpacking is available from the Forest office. The Trail is part of the Eastern Continental Divide Loop, a multi-modal adventure recognized as a segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.

Hike the Monroe Run Trail and Meadow Mountain Trail

Beginning at the western end of the Savage River Reservoir, this 9-mile hike ascends approximately 1900 feet, includes numerous creek crossings, and ends at a viewpoint above State Route 495 on the Meadow Mountain Trail. Part of the Eastern Continental Divide Loop, visit the "Do the Loop" section on the Garrett Trails Web page for detailed information.

Hiking at Scott's Run Nature Preserve

Hike 0.7 miles to a view of a waterfall and/or 2 miles to a scenic overlook of the Potomac River.

Laurel Highlands Day Hike to Youghiogheny Overlook

Take the 2.5-mile ascent to a large, flat topped rock formation overlooking the Youghiogheny River valley. Get a view of the Sugarloaf Knob and the gorges cutting into the ridge from side streams.

Paddle Friendsville MD to Confluence PA

Launch at Friendsville, Maryland, and paddle 13.5 miles to Confluence, Pennsylvania, taking out above the dam. Best paddled with a touring kayak, you initially navigate some small rapids on the Youghiogheny River before entering the still water of the Lake. Outfitters in the area rent boats and offer shuttle services. Part of the Eastern Continental Divide Loop, see Day 4 in the "Do the Loop" section on the Garrett Trails Web site.

Paddle Hoyes Run to Sang Run on the Upper Youghiogheny

A mostly easy paddle--kayak, canoe or raft--on upper Youghiogheny River and important to check water levels. Outfitters serve this area, offering shuttles and boats. Part of the Eastern Continental Divide Loop, see the "Do the Loop" section of the Garrett Trails Web page for details.

Paddle Savage River Reservoir

This is a quiet, flat water paddle, approximately 2.6 miles end-to-end. To understand this trip in the context of the Eastern Continental Divide Loop, take note of the southern terminus of the Big Savage Mountain Trail below the dam and see Day 1 of "Do the Loop" on the Garrett Trails Web site.

Skiing and Snowshoeing the Great Allegheny Passage

Although it is not groomed for cross-country skiing, the Great Allegheny Passage offers a beautiful winter landscape for snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Snow is more likely to accumulate on the western portions of the trail where elevations are slightly higher and temperatures are slightly lower.

Take a walk through time to the bank of the Potomac River

Take a two-mile walk from the parking area to access the shoreline of the Potomac River to relax along the river, search for shark teeth, or enjoy a picnic at the overlook.

Volunteer to complete the PHT in Northern Virginia

Volunteers are essential to complete the PHT network in Northern Virginia.

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 watching and wildlife viewing all times of year.

Wildlife Watching - Point Lookout State Park

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 spring and summer view the migration of a variety of shorebirds. 

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!

Woodlawn Manor and Pope-Leighey House

Tour Woodlawn Manor and Pope-Leighey House in the George Washington Memorial Parkway Corridor. View the vast differences in architecture from the early 1800’s to 1900’s in a unique juxtaposition along Route 1.