Rate Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.
Taking care of the national parks and helping Americans take care of their communities is a job we love, and we need—and welcome—your help and support.
Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
National Scenic Trail
Operating Hours & Seasons
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 for more information.
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Standard Hours
- Sunday:12:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Monday:12:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Tuesday:12:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Wednesday:12:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Thursday:12:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Friday:12:00 AM-12:00 AM
- Saturday:12:00 AM-12:00 AM
About
Hike, bike, ride and paddle the Potomac Heritage network of trails
Linking the tidal Potomac and upper Youghiogheny river basins, the evolving Potomac Heritage Trail network lies within a corridor rich in historic pathways and waterways. You can travel this historic corridor today—on foot, bicycle and horse and by boat—exploring contrasting landscapes between the Chesapeake Bay and the Allegheny Plateau.
Directions
The PHT is a diverse network of locally-managed trails and routes in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, spanning a corridor between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands. Access to trailheads is possible through a variety of transportation modes.
The administrative office for the NPS Potomac Heritage NST is located in Cook Hall near the Stephen T. Mather Training Center. The office does not provide visitor services.
Weather
The Trail corridor has a temperate climate typical of the Mid-Atlantic United States with four distinct seasons. Please refer to our Weather page for more 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.
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