What can you tell me about the Potomac Heritage Trail?

[Powerful Pete]

Reading maps and planning improbable routes for family cycling days, noticed that there is a Potomac Heritage Trail that connects to the Donaldson Run Trail and to Spout Run (in the opposite direction, obviously). This is of interest to me as the Donaldson Run trail is very convenient for me and runs through my neighborhood.

1. Is it the same as the C&O?
2. Is it paved?
3. Is it suitable for family cycling/walking with kids?

Thank you, all knowing trail users of the greater Washington DC area, for imparting your wisdom to a mere mortal.

Topic

[TwoWheelsDC]

@Powerful Pete 92756 wrote:

Reading maps and planning improbably routes for family cycling days, noticed that there is a Potomac Heritage Trail that connects to the Donaldson Run Trail and to Spout Run (in the opposite direction, obviously). This is of interest to me as the Donaldson Run trail is very convenient for me and runs through my neighborhood.

1. Is it the same as the C&O?
2. Is it paved?
3. Is it suitable for family cycling/walking with kids?

Thank you, all knowing trail users of the greater Washington DC area, for imparting your wisdom to a mere mortal.

It’s strictly hiking/walking and is not paved. The short parts I’ve done, mainly up by Potomac Overlook Park, are pretty family friendly though. But again, only if your family is on foot. Oh, and it not the same as the C&O, which is on the other side of the river and follows the old canal. The PHT generally follows the river, but isn’t tied to any pre-existing right-of-way that I’m aware of.

[DismalScientist]

No. It’s purely a hiking trail. The terrain is quite rough between (i.e. north of) Donaldson Run and Gulf Branch (sorta like the Billy Goat Trails in Great Falls park in MD). I don’t think the Donaldson Run Trail is appropriate for bikes east of Military Road.

[consularrider]

I believe that bikes are actually prohibited on the PHT.

[dasgeh]

As others have said, it’s wheel-free. However, there are those of us that it should be paved and allow bikes, at least from TR Island to Spout Run, with another trail at Spout Run. In the long term, connecting it to Chain Bridge could be a good connection. It’s the kind of thing that belongs on this thread. If you have any other suggestions, please add them there.

[rcannon100]

This trail is marvelous. I have lived a good portion of my life down on this trail. And I see cyclists down there a bunch. Mainly mountain bikers ~ mainly carrying their bikes.

This is a billy goat trail. It is not paved. It is difficult at times. Carrying a bike would be difficult. And entering or exiting at Windy Run or Donaldson Run would be difficult.

But GO! Go hiking! It is marvelous. You will see undisturbed wildlife and endangered species. You will see magnificient Virginia cliffs. You will be taken into a wonder land that is unbelievable so close to the city. You will be taken into a nature preserve.

Donaldson Run goes all the way down. You will see the old Donaldson run dam that they used to create a swimming hole. And past that you will see an older dam that goes back, well, a very long time. Down below, if you hike far to the right, towards DC, you will see quarry equipment used to quarry, I think, blue granite used in Washington monuments and buildings. The Donaldsons used to bring their produce down this way, to float it down to g’town to market.

It is a very special natural wander, and home to many critters.

[Powerful Pete]

Ok, you have convinced me. And I just now realized that it “starts” at the bridge over the GW Parkway on the Mt. Vernon Trail. I always wondered where that path goes… now I know!

[rcannon100]

Take good boots. Take water. Take the dog. It is a wondrous trail.

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Annie, at the Windy Run falls ~ which can freeze over during the winter time in a magical way

[bobco85]

The Potomac Heritage Trail is a pretty awesome trail and is well marked. I’ve gone on numerous hikes along there, most recently being my Chain Bridge to American Legion Bridge and back trip.

To add to what everyone else has already said, I do have a warning for many parts of the trail. During early spring, many parts of the trail that run alongside the Potomac River will be flooded, and you do not want to get caught in the “stronger than you think” water current.

Other than that bit of caution, be prepared and enjoy your hike

[Author]

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