Description
The Potomac Heritage Trail is a 10-mile portion of the larger Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, contributing to the vision of an 825-mile trail series between the Chesapeake Bay and the Allegheny Highlands. This section of the trail winds along the quiet water of the Potomac River for 10 miles, between Live Oak Drive and Theodore Roosevelt Island. The pedestrian only footpath crosses Turkey Run and Dead Run, two of the area’s pristine streams, as well as several islands and a variety of historic sites. More than 150 species of birds have been recorded here. The trail can be accessed from eight sites that are indicated on the Potomac Heritage Trail brochure available from the National Park Service’s George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Note: Restrooms on the Theodore Roosevelt Island close for the winter, usually from October to April. During this time a portable toilet is located near the restrooms. Additional restrooms are available at the other parks/ nature centers along the Potomac Heritage Trail.
Wildlife Sightings
153 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Potomac Heritage Trail:
- Mallard
- Rock Pigeon
- Black-crowned Night Heron
- Purple Martin
- Osprey
- Belted Kingfisher
- Northern Cardinal
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 8 May 2026 | 4 | Elizabeth Lyons |
| 8 May 2026 | 4 | Brenda Frank and Tom Blackburn |
| 8 May 2026 | 4 | Dixie Sommers |
| 29 Apr 2026 | 3 | Noah H |
| 28 Apr 2026 | 1 | Andy McGeoch 🦆 |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
Other Amenities: Hiking Trails
Accessibility Considerations
This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
The southern terminus of the Potomac Heritage Trail can be found at the north end of the Theodore Roosevelt Island parking lot. Additional parking lots/ trail access are available along the Potomac Heritage Trail at Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Gulf Branch Nature Center, and Turkey Run Park. There is no parking available at the northern terminus of the trail at Live Oak Drive.
Site Information
Managed By:
- National Park Service
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily
Contact Information:
- National Park Service, George Washington Memorial Parkway: 703-289-2500, gwmp_vssouth@nps.gov
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.