Park Closure
Trail Closure at Veterans Park at Balls Bluff (Leesburg, Virginia)
Veterans Park in Leesburg, Virginia, is closed for park improvements. All trails in the park are closed into late summer 2026.
More infoPark Closure
Trail Closure at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve (McLean, Virginia)
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in McLean, Virginia will close, beginning February 16th, for an urgent sewer project to renew and rehabilitate the Scott's Run Siphon wastewater facility. All trails and parking lots in the park are closed through July 4, 2026.
More infoPotomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
DC · MD · PA · VA · Williamsport,
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!
Riding guide
Highlights
The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHT) is a unique, multi-segment trail system that follows historic corridors along…
Riding
Rideable terrain here is noted as 150-200 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. For equestrians, certain sections of the PHT — particularly those on multi-use forest or rural paths — allow horseback travel and offer a gentle, scenic riding experience with river views, shady woodlands, and rolling terrain. Riders can combine segments for day rides or multi-day explorations, often incorporating nearby parks and trails.
Rideable terrain
150-200 miles
Trailer parking
C&O Canal National Historical Park (Maryland) The canal towpath forms one of the longest continuous rideable segments of the trail. Best trailer staging areas McCoy's Ferry Campground • Large campground parking areas • Trailer maneuvering space • Direct access to the towpath • Good location for longer rides Antietam Creek Campground • Trailer-friendly parking near the towpath • Popular staging location for riders exploring the canal corridor Prince William Forest Park (Virginia) One of the best-developed equestrian sections along the trail. Best trailer staging area Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground • Dedicated equestrian camping area • Parking space for truck and trailer rigs • Direct access to the park’s horse trail network George Washington and Jefferson National Forests (Virginia) These forests contain some of the longest rideable sections connected to the trail corridor. Common staging areas Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area • Large gravel parking areas • Access to extensive forest trail systems • Suitable for horse trailers Wolf Gap Recreation Area • Trailer-accessible parking • Gateway to long backcountry riding routes
Horse regulations
Where Horses Are Allowed Horseback riding is permitted on specific, designated sections of the 900-mile Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHNST), particularly in regional, non-urban segments. Many paved or urban trail sections are not open to horses. Riders must confirm rules for each specific segment before arrival. Permits Most day riding does not require a permit. Overnight trips may require permits depending on the managing agency and campsite location. Feed & Grazing • Grazing is generally prohibited. • Certified weed-free feed is recommended or required depending on managing agency. • Feed should not be scattered on the ground. Trail Etiquette • Yield to hikers and cyclists. • Ride single file on narrow tread. • Avoid riding when trails are muddy to prevent damage. Surface Types Expect variation by segment: • Natural dirt and forest tread • Gravel multi-use paths • Paved sections that may prohibit horses • Historic canal towpaths Environmental Considerations • Many segments run along river corridors. Be mindful of erosion and sensitive riparian areas. • Flooding can affect trail conditions along the Potomac River. • Trail closures may occur seasonally or after storms.
Getting here
Use 142 W. Potomac St., Williamsport,, Maryland as your primary planning reference before you haul in. C&O Canal National Historical Park (Maryland) The canal towpath forms one of the longest continuous rideable segments of the trail. Best trailer staging areas McCoy's Ferry Campground • Large campground parking areas • Trailer maneuvering space • Direct access to the towpath • Good location for longer rides Antietam Creek Campground • Trailer-friendly parking near the towpath • Popular staging location for riders exploring the canal corridor Prince William Forest Park (Virginia) One of the best-developed equestrian sections along the trail. Best trailer staging area Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground • Dedicated equestrian camping area • Parking space for truck and trailer rigs • Direct access to the park’s horse trail network George Washington and Jefferson National Forests (Virginia) These forests contain some of the longest rideable sections connected to the trail corridor. Common staging areas Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area • Large gravel parking areas • Access to extensive forest trail systems • Suitable for horse trailers Wolf Gap Recreation Area • Trailer-accessible parking • Gateway to long backcountry riding routes
Planning your visit
• This is a network, not a single trail. The Potomac Heritage Trail is made up of many separate segments managed by different agencies. Horse access varies by section. Always confirm rules for the exact segment you plan to ride. • Not all sections allow horses. Some portions are paved, urban, or restricted to hikers and cyclists only. • Surfaces vary widely. Expect a mix of dirt tread, gravel paths, historic canal towpaths, and occasionally paved sections. • Shared-use etiquette is essential. Many segments are popular with hikers, runners, and cyclists, especially near urban areas. • River flooding can impact access. Sections near the Potomac River may close after heavy rain or high water events. • Parking and trailer access vary. Some trailheads are equestrian-friendly while others are designed for small vehicles only. • Mud season matters. Riding on saturated trails can cause damage and may result in closures. • Services and amenities differ by segment. Some areas have restrooms and developed parking. Others are remote and primitive. • Multi-day continuity is limited. This is not a continuous equestrian thru-ride without careful route planning and road connectors.
Where to stay
C & O Canal National Historical Park Headquarters is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. Horse camping is allowed, so this destination can work as more than a quick in-and-out ride if you want to build a longer federal-land stay around it. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Williamsport, before heading deeper into federal-land access points.
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
No campgrounds listed for this park.
Points of interest
American Holly (Ilex opaca)
POILearn about American Holly, an evergreen tree in the Pine Grove Picnic Area! American holly's glossy spiky leaves and beautiful red berries make it a very popular symbol during the Christmas season.
Coastal Plain
POILearn about the geology of Prince William Forest Park by hiking the Quantico Cascades trail and exploring the area where the rolling hills of the Piedmont forest meets the flat, sandy coastal plain sediments.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
POIEastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
POILearn about the Eastern White Pine, a large shade tree near the picnic pavilion! Did you know that the Eastern white pine is largest conifer in the northeast?
Northern Pin Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis)
POILearn about the Northern Pin Oak, a large shade tree near the visitor center! Can you find a “scary face” on the trunk of the large Northern Pin Oak?
Pyrite Mine Building Foundations
POISee the foundations of buildings that remain from the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine operation, which was active in the park in the early 1900s! Learn about life here and what this area looked like when the mine was active.
Reclaiming the Land
POILearn about how the National Park Service and the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy reclaimed and rehabilitated the land on which the Cabin Branch Pyrite Mine once stood.
Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata)
POILearn about the Shortleaf Pine, an evergreen tree in the Pine Grove Picnic Area! This pine species is a popular source of resin.
Trailhead: Black Horse Trail junction with White Horse Trail
POIWillow Oak (Quercus phellos)
POILearn about the Willow Oak, a large shade tree near the picnic area! Did you know that the Willow Oak gets its name from the shape of its leaves, which resembles the leaves of a willow tree?
Things to do
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.
Duration: 1-2 Days
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.
Duration: 1-3 Days
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.
Duration: 1-3 Hours
Explore the Trails at Meadowood
Hike, Bike, and Horseback Ride at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area.
Duration: 1-4 Hours
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.
Duration: 40-120 Minutes
George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Estates
Explore George Washington’s iconic Mount Vernon Mansion and Estate.
Duration: 1-3 Days
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).
Duration: 1-2 Hours
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.
Duration: 1-2 Days
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.
Duration: 4-7 Hours
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.
Duration: 45-120 Minutes
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.
Duration: 4 Hours
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.
Duration: 4-6 Hours
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.
Duration: 2-4 Hours
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.
Duration: 1-2 Hours
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.
Duration: 1-3 Hours
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.
Duration: 1-3 Hours
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.
Duration: 90 Minutes
Visitor centers
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center - Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
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.
Get directionsWilliamsport Visitor Center - Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
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.
Get directions
Hours of operation
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.
Mon
All Day
Tue
All Day
Wed
All Day
Thu
All Day
Fri
All Day
Sat
All Day
Sun
All Day
Activities
Weather
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.
Contact
Photos
Stay near this park
No horse-friendly stays listed near Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.
List your propertyDirections
The administrative office for the NPS Potomac Heritage NST is located at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park headquarters.
Source: nps.gov