This is a fine little urban jaunt along the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., following the C&O Canal from mile 3.1 to mile 0.5. There are terrific views of the Potomac River and the Rosslyn, Va., skyline. And the canal in Georgetown was once its Main Street, where buildings were oriented to take advantage of the waterway. (more…)

The historic port town of Alexandria is one of the Potomac Heritage Trail’s most vibrant, happening places. There are shops, watering holes, and all variety of eateries. Alexandria also has the distinction of being an archaeological treasure. It’s one of the most studied towns in America. There’s an Alexandria Archaeology Museum in theTorpedo Factory Art Center, as well as several self-guided walking tours along The Alexandria Archaeology Trail. (more…)

Talk about a wonderful day enjoying history and scenic views of the Potomac River only minutes from Washington, D.C.! Here are three fascinating historic sites on the river only minutes apart by car. You can spend hours exploring Fort Washington’s immense fortification and garrison—with some of the most amazing views of the Potomac you’ll ever find. Oxon Hill Park and Farm offers a chance for exploring nature and for kids to see farm animals and learn about life near the Nation’s capital. The architecture and gardens Oxon Hill Manor offers an elegant sojourn into one of Washington’s finest estates—not to mention a romantic place to watch the sun go down. (more…)

Here’s a pleasant circuit walk along the surprisingly wild Antietam Creek less than a mile from the C&O Canal. The hike meanders along one of three fronts in the Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest day of the Civil War. Wild turkey, beaver, barred owls, and other wildlife inhabit the stream valley. Cows can often be seen grazing on the other side of the creek. The lovely bucolic countryside belies the carnage that took place along the creek on September 17, 1862. (more…)

Through this a one- or two-day journey through Potomac Heritage, you experience the breadth of the American ideal of freedom through voices and images. You’ll also relax on a short walk to a stunning (and still secret) overlook of the Shenandoah River, and pause to ponder it all on a visit a winery or two. Frederick Douglas is best known as a formerly enslaved man who became the orator-in-chief for emancipation. W.E.B. DuBois is remembered as the political organizer who set in motion the creation of the NAACP. Often forgotten today is that both were champions for the Civil Rights and equality of all people—including Irish immigrants who built the C&O Canal and American women battling for the right to vote. (more…)

One popular adventure along The Great Allegheny Passage segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a ride through the Big Savage Tunnel onto the Eastern Continental Divide. The Big Savage Tunnel is closed from November through April, but in warm weather it’s an easy, pleasing bicycle ride for people of all biking abilities. Begin your trip in Cumberland where the Great Allegheny Passage rail trail meets the C & O Canal Towpath. (more…)

In 1861 President Lincoln ordered construction of a ring of fortifications to protect the Union Capital during the Civil War. The result was 86 forts and 93 batteries connected by 32 miles of military roads. Today a network of 20 preserved sites forms a linear ring of parkland and trails in Washington, D.C. (more…)

The Potomac-Garrett State Forest is calling you to come and hike the 3.5 mile Lostlands Trail to the Potomac River. Pull off the socks and shoes and dip your toes in the icy headwaters of the North Branch of the Potomac River which divides Maryland and West Virginia. Listen closely and you might hear the ghosts of George Washington traveling to set the Fairfax Stone. Hike back on the dirt access road and take a side trip to see the ghost remains of the CCC built fish hatchery in the forest. (more…)

Here’s a terrific little hike for people of all ages. It packs into a small package some of the outstanding features of hiking the Allegheny Front, including a stretch along one of the eastern United States’s most notable whitewater rivers, the Youghiogheny. There are picnic tables and a pavilion, so a prehike picnic makes for a real kid pleaser. (more…)

Are you up for a challenge? Then bike south from the Wisp Resort www.wispresort.com and up over Marsh Mountain to Fork Run Recreation Area. This is a 550 acre forested wilderness managed by the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) www.adventuresportscenter.com. A trail head map awaits you in the parking lot area. Head out along the ridge past the rock climbing area and enjoy Phase 1 and 2 of this newer single track built by Garrett Trails www.garretttrails.org. Plans are in the works for more of this awesome IMBA style single track. (more…)