Description
This 70-acre park, part of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, provides access to the Potomac River and opportunity to view local wildlife. The oak, beech, and tulip poplar woodland, along with brushy edges, provide habitat for a large number of breeding birds. As part of their interpretive program and in partnership with the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia, the nature center maintains several injured non-releasable birds of prey, including red-tailed hawk, barred owl, and great-horned owl. There are also native plant gardens and an organic vegetable garden. Be sure to pick up a trail map at the visitor center. While you’re there, check out their collection of reptiles and amphibians.
Wildlife Sightings
169 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Potomac Overlook Regional Park:
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Downy Woodpecker
- Carolina Chickadee
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
- Hairy Woodpecker
- Northern Flicker
- Blue Jay
- American Crow
- Tufted Titmouse
- White-breasted Nuthatch
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 27 Oct 2026 | 3 | Luke Knutson |
| 25 Oct 2026 | 13 | Will McPhail |
| 23 Oct 2026 | 12 | Jenny Shanker |
| 23 Oct 2026 | 13 | Carol Mullen |
| 22 Oct 2026 | 5 | Martin Salamone |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
Other Amenities: Hiking Trails, Interpretive Program/Events
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
From Previous Site on the Great Falls Loop of VBWT:
Exit Fort C.F. Smith Park and return to Lorcom Lane. Turn right (northwest) and go 0.1 miles to Nelly Custis Dr. Turn right onto Nelly Custis Dr and continue for 0.3 miles. Here, Nelly Custis Dr becomes Military Road; continue 0.1 miles on Military Rd. Turn right onto Marcey Rd and proceed for 0.3 miles. Potomac Overlook Regional Park and Nature Center is at the end of the road.
Site Information
Managed By:
- Nova Parks
Access Requirements:
- Free, Nature Center: Tues-Sat (10-5), Sun (1-5)
Contact Information:
- 703-528-5406, potomac@nvrpa.org
- 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.