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 Reporter |
Summary: The Potomac Heritage Trail winds for 10 miles along the Potomac River, through steep, rocky hill sides, forested stream valleys and years of history. For centuries, Native Americans lived and traded along this route. Captain John Smith explored the area in 1608. George Washington envisioned this part of the Potomac as the beginning of a "great avenue into the Western Country." The river was the dividing line between the North and South during the Civil War. Quarries, mills, and farms along the Potomac helped create a strong local economy and provided material for the development of Washington, D.C. Today, the area serves as a haven for wildlife and outdoor recreation, preserved within the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Trailhead: 395 N to exit 10C. Follow George Washington Parkway pas the Pentagon, and exits for Key Bridge. Parking for Theodore Roosevelt Island is on your left, and only accesible from the northbound side of the highway. There are several access points along the way, if one doesn't want to hike end to end. (Lat:38.8959 Lon:-77.0665) Trail Guides for Potomac Heritage Trail: Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: National Park Service 703-289-2500 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joe Cross, who has posted 56 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by hikingjane on 11/22/2008 Did the Turky Run section of this hike in November and was surprised by the amount of green still left on the trees as well as a few zig zag goldenrod blooms. Lots of wildlife too: cardinal, female downy woodpecker, Carolina wren, gray squirrels. Beautiful views of the Potomac from the trail. Would like to come back and do the entire 10 miles.
Reviewed by Dave on 11/5/2008 River Bend Park to Great Falls is very good for family hikes with young children. BTW, several posts noted a trash problem. It'd really be helpful if hikers carried a small trash bag and picked up the trash as they came across it, there are trash cans along the trail, 
Reviewed by Bear on 6/23/2008 I hiked this trail yesterday from Donaldson run to the trail head near Rosslyn. Donaldson Run was very scenic, but be careful on the rocks as the trail crosses the water several times. However, I agree with the post above in that the smell of rotting fish and human defecation combined with the trash littered along the entire route will preclude me from returning. It was ok to hike just once for the views. If you do, it is pretty narrow and overgrown in some areas so make sure you wear the appropriate footwear and clothing.
Reviewed by Bear on 6/23/2008 I hiked this trail yesterday from Donaldson run to the trail head near Rosslyn. Donaldson Run was very scenic, but be careful on the rocks as the trail crosses the water several times. However, I agree with the post above in that the smell of rotting fish and human defecation combined with the trash littered along the entire route will preclude me from returning. It was ok to hike just once for the views. If you do, it is pretty narrow and overgrown in some areas so make sure you wear the appropriate footwear and clothing.
Reviewed by Stephanie on 5/3/2008 I did a short trail run here midday today, starting at Potomac Overlook Park, to Donaldson Run, to the Potomac Heritage Trail and went south for probably a mile and a half (I really have no idea - didn't have a GPS or anything). It's well shaded and has fun water crossings. The Donaldson Run trail was tough for me to spot at speed since it crosses the run several times. It was my first time there, so I wasn't sure if the water levels were normal or if they're normally higher.
Reviewed by David on 5/3/2008 Me and two friends went trail running this morning north from Roosevelt Island to Chain bridge, crossed over and took the C&O towpath back. Total distance approx. 10 miles. Saw lots of birds, rowers, and a few fisherman. The water level was high so we had to scramble off the trail a few times. The section closest to Chain bridge was the most impressive, rocky cliffs with a few waterfalls. The view looking across the river to DC was striking. We did see some fisherman trash and I would not try the trail in June-August, parts of it could really be overgrown, but for runners it was a nice diversion. 
Reviewed by KP on 4/29/2008 I hike this trail quite abit with my dog. You can get to the trail from different points, Turkey run is one thats closer to the American Legion Bridge or you can also get there by going north from Roosevelt Island. While there is an issue with trash, it is still a great option to have inside the beltway for an opportunity to see Virginia Blue Bells and other native species. Bring a trash bag w/ you and help keep our parks looking good.
Reviewed by CS on 4/24/2008 I hiked this trail in April. There was rain, lots of it and it was apparently also during a flash flood warning. It was still pretty fun & made the stream crossing quite interesting. The Donaldson Run area is very rocky and with it being wet, the rocks were slick. It was a little perilous for me at this point. If it had been dry, no problem. I plan to go again when the weather is better. There were lots of flowers, the leaves on the trees were coming out - very beautiful. There were plenty of birds to be seen (if that's your thing). I saw a bald eagle, geese, a tree full of cormorants and various other birds. The only downside of this trail for me is that there was a lot of trash left by some thoughtless people in many areas Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Virginia Hiking, Virginia Trails, Virginia Hikes, Fairfax County Hiking, Fairfax County Trails, Fairfax County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||