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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 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
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
Reviewed by Chris on 8/9/2006 I live in Rosslyn, VA and needed to get some distance hiking in for a trip to Yosemite. So I figured I'd try this since it was so close to home. I went out and back this past Saturday. Dislikes: Parts of trail are littered, and I mean littered with trash. Lots of spider webs span the trail. Likes: Hardly anyone was on the trail [maybe passed 10 people all day long]. Great, long hike very near DC. If you do get tired, you can always get on the Canal Towpath on the way back. 
Reviewed by R Cannon on 11/7/2005 Paradise in the city! Yes, this is a trail in the city and yes you will hear the GW Parkway and yes this is the flight path of National. DUH! It is also difficult to reach with limited access points which means few people are on the path down near the river. It is the realm of serious dog walkers and fishermen. The river on the north and the cliffs on the south create a through the looking glass experience. In the fall, the trees are delightful. In the morning, the mist lifts off the river. It is at times rugged over the Virginia cliffs. It is at times magical with waterfalls tumbling down the runs. You will not find a more magical place inside the beltway.
Reviewed by KBob on 9/10/2004 Have only hiked the trail from Teddy's Is. to just across from Fletcher's Boat House, so I can't comment on the entire trail, but this section would rate 3 1/2 stars in my book. Highlights include getting up close and personal with the Key Bridge, great views of Georgetown, 3 Sisters Rock, a couple of natural-looking (IMHO) waterfalls, and the occasional company of Georgetown scull teams and herons --not to mention some nice views of the Potomac. Downsides include: walking along the shoulder of the GW Parkway for a short distance; traffic noise for the first mile or so; and disrespectful fishermen too lazy to pick up their own trash at a couple of points along the way. Haven't experienced any bad smells. Pleasant enough to hike agai 
Reviewed by Olivia on 8/12/2004 Typically what one might imagine of a hike this close to the Washington DC metro area. At no point along the trail did the sound of nearby airplanes and cars cease. For the first 1/2 - 1 mile or so you are walking parallel to the highway. Once you get into the woods the smell of dead fish is overwhelming and in a few places so is the smell of urine. To be fair, these smells may have been caused by humidity and recent rains - but then, when is it not humid in this area? The path was littered and the "waterfalls" were quite possibly manmade. In other words may have been caused by construction run off. The trail's only saving grace was the view of the water, which was pretty, but would not be enough to lure me back.
Reviewed by Leigh K on 7/24/2004 Though it may have only been the result of some recent flash flooding, the trail smelled like dead fish at many points. It is near an airport and a long a highway, so engines are never far away. The view of the water is fairly pretty, but this trail has little else to offer in the beginning. The first water fall is not natural and could be mistaken for sewage runoff. The trail was also quite littered.
Reviewed by NewWave on 6/4/2004 This is trail is truly an outdoor experience w/in the DC Metro area. Short "lunch hikes" are the order of the day for those in Rosslyn. But, better not to have on dress shoes because there are many tree roots and rock scrambles to overcome. Good views of the Potomic, and interestingly, a good number of waterfalls/cliffs over 50 feet high just outside of busy Georgetown/Rosslyn. Amazing. Trekkig poles can be useful. The Potomic Appalachian Trail Club (www.PATC.net) maintains this trail, and trail volunteers are welcome. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||