Hike the Potomac Heritage Trail to Chain Bridge

Arlington, Virginia

5.0/5

based on 2 reviews

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Details

Distance

8.4 miles

Elevation Gain

300 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

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Added by The Outbound Collective

This trail along the Potomac River passes by waterfalls, wildlife, and a few great spots for fishing.

Hike the Potomac Heritage Trail through forest, hill and valley landscapes, as you follow along the river, itself. Starting at Roosevelt Island, you can hike as far as 8.4 miles roundtrip to Chain Bridge, with great views along the way.

Make sure to check the Potomac River water gauge ahead of time, in case the trail may be flooded in some areas.

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Features

Fishing

Hiking

Forest

River

Scenic

Waterfall

Wildlife

Reviews

Stephen Catalano

Hike the Potomac Heritage Trail to Chain Bridge

08/14/20

This can be pretty overgrown during the summer season. You'll need to "scramble" over a couple rocky areas but they aren't a problem for most folks. If there has been heavy rain, you might find a few spots to be under water, so be sure to check ahead of time.

5.0

Gisell Gaitan Valdizan

Hike the Potomac Heritage Trail to Chain Bridge

05/29/17

This was a wonderful hike and definitely more difficult than what I expected. I would say it is more of an intermediate level than beginner. The waterfall was beautiful and there were some rocky parts to get through. It is dog friendly, but be mindful the paths are very narrow and it is right next to the water (my dog would have been pulling the entire time trying to get into the water, so I didn't bring him). I wish more pictures could be added to this post to give hikers a more accurate idea. Great hike overall!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike the Potomac Heritage Trail to Chain Bridge

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike Theodore Roosevelt Island

Bike the Mt. Vernon Trail

Visit the National Mall in Washington D.C.

Photograph Sunrise at the Lincoln Memorial

Fish the Potomac River in Arlington

Hike the Soapstone Valley Trail

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