Potomac Heritage

https://www.nps.gov/pohe/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pictured_Rocks_National_Lakeshore The Potomac Heritage Trail, also known as the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail or the PHT, is a designated National Scenic Trail corridor spanning parts of the mid-Atlantic and upper southeastern regions of the United States that will connect various trails and historic sites in the states of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. The trail network includes 710 miles (1,140 km) of existing and planned sections, tracing the outstanding natural, historical, and cultural features of the Potomac River corridor, the upper Ohio River watershed in Pennsylvania and western Maryland, and a portion of the Rappahannock River watershed in Virginia. The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here! The administrative office for the NPS Potomac Heritage NST is located at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park headquarters. Fort Frederick State Park American history from the colonial period to the present can be discovered at Fort Frederick State Park. Our 585 acre park features a unique stone fort that served as Maryland’s frontier defense during the French and Indian War. Ohiopyle State Park Visitor Center Located on the southern reaches of the Laurel Ridge, Ohiopyle State Park encompasses approximately 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands. Close to major metropolitan areas and offering vast choices of activities, Ohiopyle State Park attracts millions of visitors annually. From the PA Turnpike: Take Exit 91, Donegal. Turn left onto PA 31 east. Travel about two miles, turn right onto PA 711 and PA 381 south. Travel ten miles to Normalville, turn left onto PA 381 south. Drive for 11 miles to Ohiopyle. From the South (DC, MD, VA): Take I-270 north to Frederick, then I-70 west to Hancock, then Rt. 40 and I-68 through Cumberland. Take Exit 14 (Keysers Ridge) to Rt. 40 west to Farmington, PA. Turn right onto PA 381 north for eight miles to Ohiopyle. From the South (WV): Take Meyersdale Area Historical Society The Meyersdale Area Historical Society supports and promotes activities chronicling the area’s story and participates in the development of interest, appreciation, preservation and research in the region’s history. Laurel Ridge State Park Headquarters The 70-mile hiking trail stretches along Laurel Mountain from the picturesque Youghiogheny River At Ohiopyle, Pa. to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown, Pa. The trail features overnight trail shelters that must be reserved in advance. Seasoned backpackers challenge themselves on the steep, rugged areas of the trails. Casual hikers enjoy areas that are reasonably level and pleasant for walking. Laurel Ridge State Park is in Cambria, Fayette, Westmoreland, and Somerset counties, Pennsylvania. North GPS DD: Lat. 40.40858 Long. -79.00557 South GPS DD: Lat. 39.87117 Long. -79.49006 Riverbend Park Tucked away in a remote river setting, Riverbend Park has over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. Trails include a 2.5 mile portion of the Potomac Heritage Trail linking national and regional parkland. Occoquan Historical Society's Mill House Museum he Mill House Museum contains an eclectic collection of documents, photographs, and other artifacts related to Occoquan's history and that of the surrounding region. Over 400 items are catalogued and many of these are on permanent display. One strength is the Society's collection of Occoquan-related photographs. While a number of these are on display in the Museum, many more have yet to be catalogued and made available to the general public. Of the catalogued items, roughly 20% are ceramics and textiles Ramsay House Visitor Center Named for William Ramsay, Scottish merchant and city founder, the building serves as City of Alexandria visitor center. Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House Woodlawn and Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House are sites of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, located on the same grounds in historic Alexandria, Virginia. Visitors are encouraged to explore the contrasting architectural and historical backgrounds of these two unique homes. Our site is also home to the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture. Rippon Lodge Historic Site Rippon Lodge is the oldest house remaining in Prince William County. Staff with the Historic Preservation serve as leaders in protecting our community's historic and natural resources. We play an active role in the protection, preservation and restoration of natural resources on the land under our care. From Interstate 95: Take Exit 156 (78 E/Dale Boulevard) toward Rippon Landing. Follow Rippon Boulevard across Jefferson Davis Hwy./Rt.1. Turn right onto Blackburn Road. Travel ¼ mile and turn right onto Admiral Black Drive. From Rt. 234: Turn left (north) onto Jefferson Davis Hwy./Rt. 1. Travel 2.9 miles and turn right onto Blackburn Road. Drive approximately one mile and turn left onto Admiral Black Drive. Leesylvania State Park Leesylvania is nestled along the tidal shores of the historic Potomac River. Native Americans lived on this land for thousands of years. Capt. John Smith visited the area in 1608 on his voyage of discovery. It's also the ancestral home of Virginia's legendary Lee and Fairfax families. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, Leesylvania offers many land and water activities, including hiking, picnicking, fishing and boating. Leesylvania State Park is in the southeast area of Prince William County, about 25 miles from Washington, D.C., and Fredericksburg. From I-95, take Rippon Landing Exit 156, then go east on Dale Blvd. to U.S. 1. Jefferson Davis Hwy. Turn right on Jefferson Davis Hwy., and then turn left onto Neabsco Rd. (Route 610) east for about two miles. Latitude, 38.589344. Longitude, -77.263498. Stafford County Visitor Center at Belmont The Museum Shop is the official home of the Stafford County Visitor Center, where visitors can find information about Stafford County attractions, restaurants, hotels and other amenities. A National Historic Landmark, Gari Melchers Home and Studio is one of just 30 of America’s most significant artists’ spaces included in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios consortium. George Washington's Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore Explore Ferry Farm with the iPad tour, Uncovering George Washington’s Youth—updated for Phase 1 construction, and view the archaeology laboratory and “The Science of History at Ferry Farm” exhibit in the Visitor Center! Visit Historic Kenmore for an expertly guided tour and see the comprehensive refurnishing in progress, including the recent addition of the Drawing Room carpet! Historic Kenmore is located in the heart of Historic Fredericksburg, Virginia, off Interstate 95, halfway between Washington, DC, and Richmond, Virginia. 1201 Washington Ave Fredericksburg,VA 22401 Tel: (540) 373-3381 Fax: (540) 370-0576 Accokeek Foundation at Piscataway Park Today, the Accokeek Foundation partners with the National Park Service to steward 200 acres of Piscataway Park which covers, in total, approximately 5,000 acres, from Piscataway Creek to Marshall Hall on the Potomac River. An effort that began out of a desire to “preserve the view,” in the end has preserved much more. The park is open daily to visitors who enjoy a quiet landscape for recreation and reflection. Tudor Hall of St. Mary's County Historical Society Tudor Hall is an important 18th century house in St. Mary's County, Maryland. Of the Georgian architecture, it is the oldest building in Leonardtown. Tudor Hall was built by the Barnes family, either Abraham or his son, Richard, both of whom were active in the American Revolution. The name Tudor Hall was given to the house by a 19th century owner, Henry G.S. Key, a cousin of Francis Scott Key. Historic St. Mary's City Step back in time for an unforgettable experience on the site where Maryland began. Historic St. Mary’s City is a delightful mix of living history encounters, hands-on activities, archaeology, and nature trails. Historic St. Mary’s City is located off Route 5 in scenic Southern Maryland. Travel time is approximately 1½ hours from Washington, D.C. and Annapolis and 2 hours from Richmond and Baltimore. The street address of the Visitor Center is 18751 Hogaboom Lane, St. Mary’s City and its coordinates are 38.180650, -76.429650 (+38° 10′ 50.34″, -76° 25′ 46.74″). St. Clement's Island Museum The St. Clement’s Island Museum rests on the east shore of the Potomac River overlooking St. Clement’s Island, Maryland's First Colonial Landing in 1634. The Museum’s mission concentrates on Maryland’s earliest history and Potomac River heritage. Directions Take 495/95 to Beltway to Exit 7a (Route 5 South to Waldorf). Follow Route 5 South to Mechanicsville where Route 5 South will bear right toward Leonardtown. Follow Route 5 South to Morganza and turn right onto Route 242 South to the end at Colton’s Point. Follow Museum parking signs. From Virginia: Take State Route 301 to 234 East to Clements. Turn right on Route 242 South to the end at Colton’s Point. Follow Museum parking signs. Map Westmoreland State Park On the Potomac River's Northern Neck, this park offers many opportunities for family fun. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and an adjacent bathhouse, meeting area, snack bar, camp store and power-boat ramp. You'll also find a visitor center, campgrounds, camping cabins, cabins, a playground, a fishing pier, boat rentals and 6 miles of trails. Fossil collectors enjoy hunting for ancient shark teeth along the Potomac. Facing the Potomac River, the park is six miles northwest of Montross and just off Route 3. From Fredericksburg (I-95), take Rt. 3 east, go about 40 miles to the park's entrance, turning left onto Rt. 347. From Tappahannock, take U.S. 360 East to Warsaw. Turn left onto Rt. 3 west at the third stop light. Stay on this road until about six miles past Montross. Turn right into the park's entrance on Rt. 347. From Richmond, take U.S. 360 East, then follow Tappahannock directions. Stratford Hall Here at Stratford Hall, we provide many opportunities to learn about the land, the lives of the Lee family, and their legacy. From school field trips, summer camps and special events for children to residential symposia for adults on topics like the cultural landscape of the Northern Neck or Robert E. Lee and the Civil War, you will find information in this section that will make your visit to Stratford more rewarding Stratford Hall Plantation is located just off State Route 3 on State Route 214, six miles northwest of Montross, Virginia in Westmoreland County and 42 miles southeast of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Caledon State Park A National Natural Landmark known for its old growth forest and summer home to many American bald eagles, Caledon attracts bird watchers of all ages. Trails, including Boyd's Hole Trail, which leads to the Potomac River, are open year-round. A visitor center with bald eagle exhibits, four picnic areas, a picnic shelter and restrooms also are available. Caledon is located in King George County between Fairview Beach and Owens, 23 miles east of Fredericksburg on Route 218. From Fredericksburg, take 218 East for 23 miles. Caledon is on the left. Or you may take Rt. 3 east 18 miles to a left onto Rt. 206 for six miles, then turn left onto Rt. 218 and go about one mile; Caledon is on the right. From U.S. 301 (MD), turn right onto Rt. 206 for four miles to Rt. 218, then west about one mile. Latitude, 38.333999. Longitude, -77.142639. Smallwood State Park Smallwood State Park in southern Maryland includes a marina, camping cabins and a two-mile hiking trail loop. Western Maryland A man, woman and child stand overlooking a valley of mountains and trees on a sunny summer day. Monroe Run Trailhead, Garrett County C&O Canal Towpath In a wooded setting, a biker is riding along the unpaved C&O Canal Towpath, parallel to the canal. A biker riding along the C&O Canal Towpath Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) A bicycle sits on a bright summer day overlooking the rolling mountains in the distance. Great Allegheny Passage is a bicyclist enthusiasts' dream come true! Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Signage stating "Enter Trail Here" sits before a trail head in a wooded fall setting with bare trees Trail head entrance signage depicts the start of a trail head segment. Virginia's Northern Neck Two rows of over-turned kayaks sit on the beach with trees and water in the distance on a cloudy day Kayaks are ready for paddlers on the beach! Southern Maryland A wetland with wildlife at Piscataway Park Piscataway Park offers a glimpse into the wildlife living in the wetlands of Southern Maryland. Two Rivers A red kayak floating on the river. Paddling down the river is a popular activity on the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. Washington, D.C. Across the tidal basic overlooks the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial. The Potomac Heritage NST goes into Washington, D.C., attracting history buffs and bicyclists alike! Northern Virginia A biker riding through an illuminated tunnel in a wooded setting. A biker rides on the trails in Northern Virginia. Memorials for the Future Memorials for the Future, is a competition that aims to rethink the way we develop and experience memorials in Washington, D.C. Memorials for the Future Logo National Park Getaway: Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is comprised of a developing network of locally managed, land and water trails between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands. The trail passes through portions of five regions with distinct physical features and landscapes in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Residents and visitors can explore a variety of historic and natural landscapes within the trail corridor.    Hiker next to a mile post on a wooded trail Ten Tips for Visiting Fort Washington Park Follow these tips to make your visit to Fort Washington Park memorable. The grassy fort in front of a river Ten Tips for Visiting Piscataway Park Make the most of your visit to Piscataway Park with these ten tips. A river at sunset Ten Tips for Visiting Oxon Cove Park Planning a visit to Oxon Cove Park and Oxon Hill Farm? Follow these ten tips for a fantastic farm day! A brown and white cow in a field Sea Level Rise in the DC Area Learn about current and projected rates of sea level rise in the greater DC area, based on local water level data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) A tall white cylinder attached to a wooden pier with Hains Point in the background. The Modern Civil Rights Movement in the National Capital Area The national capital area’s everyday people contributed to the overall success of the modern Civil Rights Movement. From students to pastors, lawyers to teachers, parents and every-day people planned efforts between the 1950s to the 1960s to eliminate segregation and the discrimination. Civil Rights leaders surrounded by journalists and media. Top 10 Tips for Biking the C&O Canal Biking etiquette tips Reflecting on 55 years of the National Trails System Act: A Journey Through the Establishment of National Scenic and Historic Trails In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, learn more about these significant trails and their history. Series: A Timeline of Resistance: The Perseverance of African Americans from the Revolutionary War to the Civil Rights Era The story of African American’s fight for equality did not begin or end with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. In the National Capital Area, dedicated activism and self-determination has been documented since the Revolutionary War through the present day. This series consists of six articles that outline distinct timelines of resistance and activism in the fight for freedom. A young African American girl gazes at the camera holding a banner for the March on Washington

National Park Service U.S. Depdrtment of the lnterior Potomac Heritage Trail George Washington Memorial Parkway #& *@_ wtre K'ffi ',t?.' e& .,#l6e Wild Discoveries Within the Beltway Bridge at Lirtle Falls ott tlte Potor t nc. ab ot' e G e orget ozt t t. The.first bridge rloss tlrc Potonnc Rit.'er, at tJte cut'rertt locatiort of Chain Bridge. Painted b,- Beuiarnin Latrobe, March 1798. cotu'tex, of the Nlaryl an d Hi st ori c al S o ci e t1'. Points of lnterest The Potornac Heritage Trail (PHT) u-inds for 10 miies along the Potomac fur'er^ througft -steep. rockr hill-side,s. tbrested stream I'al1er s and r eals of hrstori. Fol centunes, \atir-e Antericans ln'ed and traded along this route. Captain John Smith explored Ihe arca in 1608. George \\ ashington envisioned this part of the Potomac as the beginning of a "great The PHT rs a segment of the Potomac Heritage \ational Scenic Trail (PH\ST). The PH\ST is a 125-mile corridor of trails benr-een the Chesapeake Bav and -\lleghenr Highlands. For more informatitrn avenue into the Vlestern Countrr,." The rivcr u,as the dividing line beti,r,een North and South during the Civil rWar. Quarries, mills, and farms along the Potomac helped create a strong local economy and provided material for the development of \X/ashington, DC. Tbda1., the area serves as a haven for wlldlife and outdoor recreation, preserved within the George Washington Memorial Parkway. E-mail: phnst@ np s. gov, lWeb : uuu.np s. goa / p oh e about the PH\ST. contact: Potomac Heritage National Scenic tail P.O. Box B, Harpers Ferry, \(V 25425 For information on local projects and activities, contact the Potomac Heritage Trail Association at l-888-223-4093, by e-mail at info@potomactrail.org, or vislt their website at www.potomactrail.org. Mile-O: At the trailhead, George Masc"rn IY the Mile-4.9: Above Chain Bridge are the preserved author of the Virginla Bill of Rights, ran a ferryboat business to Georgetorvn. His son, John. built a home on the island in the 1790s. The \llson fam j\- ,rs ned U.S. Armv in 1861 to defend the bridge. Todav it is earthr'vorks of Ft. Marc1,, which was built bv the onc of the t'eu' remainins eramnles of the 58 folts much ot the land \.ou \\'11i hrke on. Mile-l: Looking out towards the river, you can see Three Sisters Island, the focus of a Native Amerlcan story crafted to warn children of the deceptivelv calm Potomac River currents. Legend has it that the sisters disobeyed their father and tried to cross the river to vislt an enemv tribe. The strong current capsized their r.essel and the sisters drowned in a rvhirlpool. A great storm raged and the rockf islands appeared the follorving dav. Some people belier,e that rvhen the skies are dark and stormr,-. _vou can still Mile-1.7: Just bevond \l'indi-Run lies the rust\' MiIe-8.2: Hiking along the floodplain, \.ou cross remains of 19th-centurl boiiels used to quarr\' Potomac blue stone. The dln of erplosions, the sounds of hammels on steel drill bars and the tou ns are gone, but historr is preserved in cifl'buildings constructed from this stone. Turker-Run and Dead Run (mile 9.-1). tu'o of the healthiest streams in the region. Carefullv turn a rock oter and look closeh.ior larvae of caddisflr. mar-flr'and stoneflr. These insects are intolerant to pollution and are considered biological rndicators Located between Theodore Roosevelt Island and I-495 (at the American Legion Bridge), the PHT is administered by: George \Tashington Memorial Parkway c/o Tirrkey Run Park, Virginia District Ranger Mclean, YA 22lUl 7 03-289 -2500 toutut.nps.goa l*Dmp 7 supports a diversitv of plants and animals. The water gauge (mile 7.2) recorded the river levels from the hear the sistels crving. mouth of Pimmit Run at Chain Blidge. In August 181.1, President James Nladison's panicked staff hid the Declaration of Independence rn flour sacks in this mill as British soldiers invaded the crn'and burned the \X,rhlte House. I Mile-7: Tirrkey Run Park, a 700-acre area, 1930s to the 1960s. The highest recording 28.6 feet - was in Nlarch 1936. At that Ievel, the urater ll'ou1d have been abclut 15 feet above the trail. A short distance from the gauge is a soapstone quarrv and a quartz outcrop. Native Americans living in or trar-eling through this area mav har,e used both, as thcv t'ere valuable commodrties. Nfife-4.1: A gristmili once opcrated ncar tlic r and 9i cattene: ihat once encrrcieci and protecred \\ashington during the Civil \\:ar. National Park Service staff and Potomac Appalachian Tiail Club (PATC) volunteers maintain the PHT. For more information about PAIC, contact: Potomac Appalachian Trail Club 7 03-242-0693, ext. t2 wlow.patc.net ol'good $ater qualin. As vou u,alk in the footsteps of Native Amelicans. explorers and laborers, help ensure that futule generations can rvalk rn vours bv protecting the traiL and its resources. PRESERVE, PROTECT, AND ENJOY! . Pack out everything you brought into the park. .