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Trail Description

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHT) is an evolving, 830-mile network of locally-managed trails and routes that embraces both sides of the Potomac, from the mouth of the river at the Chesapeake Bay to the Allegheny Highlands in the upper Ohio River basin.

Trail Markers

The following categories of information can be accessed by using the Marker Filter located at the top of the map. Currently the information available via trail markers is pretty limited but it is our intention to expand and grow what's available over time. It should be noted that the food, water and sleep markers do not list every possible service option that can be found near the trail. The intent is to simply point out a small set of reliable options every few miles. Collecting the raw data for new markers and updating existing ones will be a long term and probably never ending process. So please check back from time to time to see what's new.

• Trail Access - Access points that have parking near the trail.
• Trail Notices - Could be anything FYI. For example info about a trail re-route or to watch out for so-n-so's dog.
• Historical Points of Interest - Points of historical interest within a short walk of the trail.
• Quick Food - Convenience Stores, Grocery Stores and Fast Food within a short walk of the trail.
• Potable H2O - Places where public potable water can be found on or very near the trail
• Cheap Sleep - Camping, Hostels and inexpensive Motels within a short walk of the trail.

Trail Color Key

The following trail map has been color coded to provide information as to the status of the trail at any given point on the ground. Use the following color key as a guide when considering which part of the trail to visit.

• Turquoise - The trail is complete and the route is marked with PHNST turquoise blazes or signs. Where the route coincides with other officially designated and maintained trails, PHNST blazes may be suspended to avoid confusion. Natural surface, crushed stone or paved bike path with at least a minimal buffer between the trail and the nearest road.
• Green - The trail is available for exploration but still under development in a few places. Hikers should NOT expect the route to be marked with PHNST blazes or signs. While the vast majority of the route is on preexisting trails and in excellent condition, you should be prepared for the occasional stream crossing or places where a trail has not yet been built.
• Blue - Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail (VA). The DRHT is a privet recreation trail requiring a use permit for access and not officially part of the PHNST at this time. Use permits are free and you can find information on how to obtain one HERE
• Yellow - Public access roads and sidewalks. As opportunities arise to reroute the trail off paved roads, the PHTA plans to do so.
• Red - Route Undetermined (TBD). Line segments that are red (50% opaque) DO NOT represent an official or recommended safe route and should be considered a gap in the trail. As routes are determined, the map will be updated appropriately.

PHNST Hiking Guide - PDF Format

A PHNST hiking guide is available in PDF format. Currently it is pretty limited in scope (it only contains parts of Northern Virginia) and does not make recommendations for specific hikes. For now, it's primary goal is to serve purely as a navigational aid to help you follow the current PHNST route as it exists on the ground. All route descriptions run in a South-Eastern direction heading towards the Chesapeake Bay. It does not contain any historical, cultural or services related information but it does break the trail down into sections that can be easily printed out and carried along with you as you explore the PHNST on your own.

• Potomac Heritage Trail Guide