Things To Do Near Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
Consider starting your adventure in the C&O Canal Towpath section, where you can explore Civil War sites and go hiking, biking, and camping. Then, continue to the Great Allegheny Passage, where the biking is particularly fantastic along the Cumberland Coast. Next, you can explore the Laurel Highlands in Pennsylvania and Northern Virginia and take a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. Then, travel to southern Maryland and the Northern Neck of Virginia, which are great places to go bird-watching. Complete your adventure by following the trail through Washington, D.C., and western Maryland.
Hiking Trails
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Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
This 70-mile trail begins at Ohiopyle State Park and runs through other state parks, conservation areas, and private property before ending at Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown. Most of this trail passes through Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests. It runs parallel to the Youghiogheny and Conemaugh rivers for much of its course.
Location
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main Street, Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania 15470
Length
70 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Great Allegheny Passage
The Great Allegheny Passage starts at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park at Canal Street and Harrison Street in Cumberland, Maryland, and ends at Point State Park near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Several significant historical sites, Fallingwater, and many parks are along this path. It also crosses the Continental Divide and the Mason-Dixon Line.
Location
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, 205 West Potomac Street, Williamsport, Maryland 21795
Length
105 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Mount Vernon Trail
This trail starts at the parking lot at mile 17 of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. It runs through open meadows until it reaches the west side of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Then, it runs through a forest until it comes to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. You can often see planes taking off and landing along the first half of this trail, and bird-watching can be exceptional along the second half. This 17-mile trail runs through Belle Haven Park, Dyke Marsh, and Fort Hunt Park.
Location
Mile 17 George Washington Memorial Parkway, Alexandria, Virginia 20598
Length
17 miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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Fallingwater
Fallingwater, which Frank Lloyd Wright designed, has been open for public tours since 1964. Take a tour of this home and learn more about the building and Wright’s life. Children often enjoy the special art activities that are held here.
Location
1491 Mill Run Road, Mill Run, Pennsylvania 15464
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Frederick Douglas National Historic Site
Learn more about Frederick Douglas’ life as an escaped slave who became friends with presidents by visiting the Frederick Douglas National Historic Site. Take a tour of the home that is still very similar to the way Douglas left it when he died in 1895. Bring along your camera as the images of Washington D.C. from this location are breathtaking. Children love playing on the large grassy hill.
Location
1411 West Street Southeast, Washington, D.C. 20020
Museums
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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Thisfamous museum has a number of exhibits. You can see preserved mammals, ancient Egyptian artifacts, skeletons, and much more. Entry into the museum is free.
Location
1000 Madison Drive, Washington, D.C. 20560
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Carnegie Museum of Art
The Carnegie Museum of Art has everything from sculptural pieces to paintings. In addition to all of the great art on display, the museum also has a café where you take a break from admiring your favorite pieces and eat. Admission is affordable, and children under 2 are free.
Location
4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
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Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park
See the oldest lighthouse on the Potomac River by stopping at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park. Climb to the top of the lighthouse to see the views. After climbing down again, view the collection of old wooden boats. This site is also a great place to take a stroll on the beach and go for a kayaking adventure.
Location
44720 Lighthouse Road, Piney Point, Maryland 20674
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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W.S. Jenks & Son
Find camping, hardware, RV equipment, and other supplies at W.S. Jenks & Son. This family-owned hardware store has been serving customers since 1866.
Location
910 Bladensburg Road Northeast, Washington, DC 20002
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The Occidental
If you want an informal dinner, dine downstairs at The Occidental, or head upstairs for a more formal dining experience. This restaurant opened in 1906, and it has served presidents, influential leaders, and other important figures. The Caesar salad and the lobster bisque here are delicious.
Location
1475 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20004
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Thames Street Oyster House
As its name suggests, you'll be able to get great oysters at this restaurant. You can also get lobster rolls, calamari, clams, fish and chips, and more. If you're not a fan of seafood, there are other choices like burgers and steak.
Location
1728 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231