Southern Maryland RC&D THE POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL: A DYNAMIC PARTNERSHIP

From Southern Maryland RC&D

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THE POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL: A DYNAMIC PARTNERSHIP
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Nov 19, 2009 - 1:46:05 PM

The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHNST) is no ordinary experience. It is, in fact, an evolving Trail network and an enterprise of many partners that celebrates the heritage of the Potomac River and upper Ohio River basins and offers year-round opportunities for hiking, bicycling, boating, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Southern Maryland RC&D is proud to be part of that network and partnership via a Cooperative Agreement with the National Park Service to assist in coordinating the Southern Maryland segment of the PHNST.

As a result of this agreement, Southern Maryland RC&D and its many partners achieved National Scenic Trail Designation for the Southern Maryland segment on August 29, 2008 from the US Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. Such a designation incorporated the Southern Maryland Segment into the larger Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, extending the PHNST all the way to Point Lookout State Park in Southern Maryland and linking the Chesapeake Bay to the Allegheny Highlands in celebration of the region’s cultural and natural heritage. The Southern Maryland segment of the PHNST provides cyclists, hikers and paddlers opportunities for recreation, education and heritage activities in Charles and St. Mary’s counties as the Southern Maryland portion will stretch from Point Lookout State Park to Piscataway Park.

In Southern Maryland, you can visit the Mallows Bay Ghost Fleet by water, cruise through the historical landmarks of Port Tobacco and St. Mary’s City on two wheels, walk along the Leonardtown Wharf or launch a kayak into the Potomac River. It’s really up to you! The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail allows non-motorist visitors, both tourists and seasoned locals, an opportunity to travel a different way and experience what they haven’t seen before. Getting out of the car, for example, and walking along Highway 224 in Charles County offers a host of sights and sounds you might never notice.

Highway 224 twists and turns through some diverse ecosystems.

A peek off the side of the road might be surprising.

Or biking through St. Mary’s County allows you to get up close and personal with the region’s history and landscape.

Piney Point Lighthouse

Exit view from St. George's Episcopal Church.

Southern Maryland RC&D, the National Park Service and our partners are currently working to develop print and web materials, as well as signs along the PHNST to make the Trail a more user-friendly, safe and eco-friendly experience.

The network of communities and attractions in the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail corridor celebrates the history and heritage of the Potomac and upper Ohio River basins and offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. For some ideas on ways to experience the Trail corridor, go to the Potomac Heritage Explorer at www.potomacheritage.net . For more on the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, go to www.nps.gov/pohe .

Come join us on the Trail…on bike, on foot or by water! Excerpt from Potomac Heritage Explorer: “Th e Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a corridor of history and outdoor adventure. The Trail network follows the river through its tidal reaches to the fall line, with an interlude along the escarpment of Washington, D.C., then up the C&O Canal to Cumberland, Md. From there it goes over and through the mountains along the Great Allegheny Passage and the Laurel Highlands Trail. This evolving Trail network offers opportunities for hiking, bicycling, boating, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Explore these pages by region or activity, then follow links to travel information and partners.”