Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a network of locally managed trails, in a corridor through the many contrasting landscapes in the region, between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands.

The BLM Eastern States manages sections of the trail as it crosses Douglas Point in Charles County, Maryland, and the Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) on the historic Mason Neck Peninsula in Northern Virginia. These areas are near the Maryland and Virginia shorelines of the Potomac River, and host diverse plant and animal populations, thriving among historic sites dating back to the 18th century. The trail itself is a history lesson. A boundary between northern and southern states, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail also pierced the west into the North American interior. This trail has been a crossroads of opportunity, diversity, and conflict, including portions of the Underground Railroad, which carried people escaping slavery across the Potomac River and into freedom.

Maryland:

The Southern Maryland section of this scenic trail follows the Potomac River from the nation’s Capital through Indian Head to Charles County, to LaPlata and finally, to Point Lookout. Escape the bustling city on a trail with something for everyone: history, nature, recreation, wildlife, interpretation, and conservation. At Douglas Point, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding along 2 miles of trails and access to the Potomac River. While relaxing on the shoreline, test your luck at finding shark teeth and other fossils. 

Virginia:

The Northern Virginia section of this scenic trail follows the Potomac River from Leesburg, through Mason Neck, and to Prince William Forest Park. Escape the city bustle on a trail with something for everyone: history, nature, recreation, wildlife, interpretation, and conservation. At Meadowood, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding along 7.2 miles of trails.