Hike the Potomac Heritage Trail to Chain Bridge
Details
Distance
8.4 miles
Elevation Gain
300 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
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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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Reviews
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Narrow, overgrown in summer
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
Great Hike!
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!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
