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Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail: fees, hours, camping and when to visit

Updated October 29, 2026. Based on National Park Service data. Published by Humblebee.

Entrance fee
None[1]
Visitor centers
2[2]

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a National Park System unit that runs through the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia[3]. NPS lists it as a fee-free park, so there is no entrance fee[1].

Entrance fees and passes

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail[1]. Some tours, campgrounds or permits inside a park can still have their own fees.

When to visit and hours

NPS lists the trail as open all year, depending on weather[4]. Partners who manage specific sections may have seasonal openings and closings, so check the Operating Hours & Seasons page for the section you plan to visit[4]. NPS describes a temperate climate with four seasons and variable precipitation[5]. NPS says summer highs can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit and winter lows can fall to 0 degrees[5]. NPS lists 2 visitor centers, both run by Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park: Williamsport and Great Falls Tavern[2].

Pets and dogs

Under the national NPS pet rule, pets must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet where they are allowed[6]. Pets are not allowed in public buildings, on public transportation or on designated swimming beaches, with service animals excepted[6]. NPS lists pets as permitted on 48 of its 56 things to do here, and each park can close more areas to pets[7][6].

Before you go

Questions people ask

Is there an entrance fee for Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail?
NPS lists it as a fee-free park, so there is no entrance fee[1].
Is the trail open year-round?
NPS lists the trail as open all year, weather permitting, but partner-managed sections may have seasonal openings and closings[4].
Are dogs allowed on the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail?
NPS lists pets as permitted on 48 of 56 things to do[7]. Where pets are allowed, they must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet[6].
What is the weather like along the trail?
NPS describes a temperate climate with four seasons, and temperatures from 100 degrees Fahrenheit in summer to 0 degrees in winter[5].

Facts and sources

  1. NPS lists Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail as a fee-free park: there is no entrance fee. National Park Service
  2. Visitor centers listed by NPS: 2 (Williamsport Visitor Center - Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center - Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park). National Park Service
  3. Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a unit of the U.S. National Park System (designation: National Scenic Trail) in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. National Park Service
  4. Operating hours, Always open: The Trail is open year-round, weather permitting. Our partners who manage specific sections of the trails may have seasonal openings and closings. Please refer to our Operating Hours & Seasons page for more information. National Park Service
  5. NPS weather and seasons overview for Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. National Park Service
  6. National Park Service rule 36 CFR 2.15: where pets are allowed they must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, and pets are not allowed in public buildings, on public transportation or on designated swimming beaches (service... eCFR, 36 CFR 2.15
  7. NPS lists 56 things to do at Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail: Collect Potomac Heritage NST Passport Stamps in Washington, DC, Collect Potomac Heritage NST Passport Stamps in Pennsylvania, Collect Potomac Heritage NST Passport Stamps in Virginia,... National Park Service
  8. Activities NPS lists for Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail: Biking, Camping, Hiking, Paddling, Junior Ranger Program, Wildlife Watching. National Park Service

Fees and hours are what NPS lists in its data at the snapshot date. They change: tell readers to confirm on the official park page before a trip. Visits are NPS recreation visits (counted entries, not unique people). Use them only for this park's own months and years, never to rank parks. Campground list and site counts come from NPS and Recreation.gov records. Count fields can differ slightly between the two. The pet rule is the national baseline (36 CFR 2.15). The park may close more areas to pets. Do not claim specific trails allow dogs unless a fact says so.