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
Birds Recently Seen at Potomac Heritage Trail:
- Bald Eagle
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Downy Woodpecker
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Blue Jay
- Carolina Chickadee
- European Starling
- Northern Mockingbird
- American Robin
- White-throated Sparrow
153 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Jan 2026 | 13 | Ed Wallace |
| 4 Jan 2026 | 2 | Ocean Church |
| 3 Jan 2026 | 4 | Timothy Stackhouse |
| 3 Jan 2026 | 4 | Johanna Dunlap |
| 1 Jan 2026 | 5 | Ryan Gillard |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Site Amenities: Hiking Trails
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:
Contact Information:
- 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.