Potomac Overlook Regional Park

Important Notices

COVID-19 & the VBWTBefore heading out to visit a site on the Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail, be sure to check if that site has any COVID-19 policies or closures in place. This information is typically posted on a site's own website.

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.

Directions

Physical Address: 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington, VA 22207

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.

Location & Directions

View on Google Maps

Site Information

Birds Recently Seen at Potomac Overlook Regional Park (as reported to eBird)

  • Mourning Dove
  • Belted Kingfisher
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Pileated Woodpecker
  • Northern Flicker
  • Blue Jay
  • Carolina Chickadee
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • Carolina Wren

Seasonal Bird Observations

Facilities

  • Accessible
  • Hiking Trails
  • Information
  • Interpretive Nature Program
  • Parking
  • Picnic
  • Restrooms