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Potomac Overlook Regional Park

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

Birds Recently Seen at Potomac Overlook Regional Park:

  • Mourning Dove
  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • American Crow
  • White-breasted Nuthatch
  • Carolina Wren
  • European Starling
  • American Robin
  • House Sparrow
  • Northern Cardinal

168 species have been reported at this site to date.

Recent Checklists:

Date# of SpeciesSubmitted By
23 Jan 20269Jill Barker
15 Jan 202614Samantha Orlando
13 Jan 202613Jill Barker
11 Jan 202616Jenny Shanker
11 Jan 20268Jill Barker

See more recent checklists…

Amenities & Accessibility Considerations

Site Amenities

  • On-site Parking
  • Restrooms
  • No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement

Other Site Amenities: Hiking Trails, Interpretive Program/Events

Maps & Directions

View on Google Maps
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.

Site Information

Managed By:

  • Nova Parks

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.

About the VBWT

The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of over 600 greenspaces and blueways throughout the Commonwealth selected for their wildlife viewing potential. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon see why Virginia is a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.

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