Tag Archives: Potomac Heritage Trail

Gulf Branch Trail (Arlington, VA)

Posted on April 19, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

Terminating at a multi-tiered waterfall, the Gulf Branch Trail follows one of northern Virginia’s several lush stream valleys from Glebe Road Park in Arlington to the Potomac River. The Gulf Branch Nature Center, situated roughly halfway through the hike, offers … Continue reading →

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North Valley – South Valley Trail Loop (Prince William Forest Park, VA)

Posted on March 26, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

Prince William Forest Park—situated about 30 miles south of Washington, DC—preserves a 17,000-acre slice of what was once a vast sea of oaks, hickories, and chestnuts spanning much of modern-day Virginia. Surprisingly, many DC residents are oblivious to its existence, … Continue reading →

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Potomac Heritage Trail – Turkey Run to Scott’s Run (George Washington Memorial Parkway, VA)

Posted on February 21, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

This 4.6-mile ramble from Turkey Run Park to Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in McLean, Virginia constitutes the third section of the Potomac Heritage Trail heading westward from Rosslyn in Arlington. (Note: Descriptions of the two preceding sections—Roosevelt Island to Fort … Continue reading →

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Donaldson Run Trail and Loop (Arlington, VA)

Posted on February 20, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

Bearing westward from Rosslyn in Arlington, Virginia, Donaldson Run is the third notable tributary feeding into the Potomac River. Like its neighbors—Spout Run, Windy Run, and Pimmit Run—Donaldson Run cuts through rocky bluffs, with the last half-mile punctuated by minor … Continue reading →

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Windy Run Trail (Windy Run Park, VA)

Posted on February 6, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

Arlington, Virginia’s Windy Run Trail offers a brief, scenic jaunt with four creek crossings, culminating at the base of one of the Washington, DC area’s best waterfalls. Starting at N. Kenmore Street, the nearly half-mile trail drops more than 120 … Continue reading →

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Pimmit Run Trail – Fort Marcy to Solitaire Ln. (Fairfax County Parks, VA)

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

Generally less rip-roaring than several of its nearby tributaries, Pimmit Run nonetheless carries a rather significant volume. It weaves gently through McLean, Virginia—a generally upscale Washington, DC suburb—for eight miles before emptying into the Potomac River. Unpaved walking trails flank … Continue reading →

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Great Falls Loop, including Difficult Run Trail (Great Falls Park, VA)

Posted on December 14, 2015 by Andrew Wojtanik

Most outdoor types in the Washington, DC area will know the famously rugged Billy Goat Trail on the Maryland side of Great Falls. Across the river, however, is an equally—if not more—scintillating loop hike around Virginia’s Great Falls Park, featuring … Continue reading →

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Dead Run Loop (Turkey Run Park, VA)

Posted on December 6, 2015 by Andrew Wojtanik

Dead Run. It’s an ominous name for what is actually quite a lovely stream, though at times this 3.6-mile loop hike can feel rugged and perplexing. The first half is relatively straightforward: nearly two miles of hiking through some of … Continue reading →

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Riverbend Park Loop (Riverbend Park, VA)

Posted on September 4, 2015 by Andrew Wojtanik

While not nearly as stunning as its southern neighbor Great Falls Park, northern Virginia’s Riverbend Park covers similar terrain with fewer crowds. A 3.7-mile circuit around the park—covering the Bootlegger Trail and a section of the Potomac Heritage Trail—covers the … Continue reading →

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Potomac Heritage Trail – Fort Marcy to Turkey Run Park (George Washington Memorial Parkway, VA)

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Andrew Wojtanik

Envisioned to one day extend from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac Heritage Trail (PHT) for now only exists in fragments. It is perhaps the good fortune of Washington, DC residents, however, that one of the PHT’s finest … Continue reading →

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