The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail corridor commemorates the mix of history, culture, and recreation along the Potomac River. The Potomac Heritage Trail Association is working to complete the entire proposed 704-mile trail which will trace outstanding natural and cultural features of the Potomac River Basin in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. Much is in place: the 184-mile towpath of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in the District of Columbia and Maryland, the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail in Virginia, and the 75-mile Laurel Highlands Trail in Pennsylvania. Through the leadership of local governments and private interests, additional segments of the corridor are being evaluated for their recreational and educational potential.

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail was designated a unit of the National System by an act of Congress in 1983.

• Hike some of the 184-mile towpath of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in the District of Columbia and Maryland.
• Hike the 75-mile Laurel Highlands Trail in Pennsylvania.