Potomac Heritage Scenic Trail-A Chance To Explore The Occoquan River

Add up the miles and the Potomac Heritage Scenic Trail (PHT) runs 830 miles between the Potomac River and the Alleghany Highlands in the Ohio River Basin. Compared to the Appalachian Trail which runs 2175 miles from Georgia to Maine the PHST is just a small trail.

In Prince William County (VA) part of the Potomac Heritage Scenic Trail runs through the town of Occoquan, Belmont Bay, Leesylvania State Park and ends at Quantico Marine Corps base. Currently only small portions of the trail are open to the public so anyone who wants to enjoy the trail has to figure out a way to either cross private property or jump in and out of their car to enjoy the open sections of the trail.

Prince William County officials are looking at ways to complete the 8 mile stretch that would cover from Belmont Bay, past Rippon Lodge and end at Leesylvania State Park. Currently if you are a dirt bike fan you can find a path that runs from the Belmont Bay are to Veteran's Park (near Featherstone) but if you don't know it's there you won't find it.

With the success of the Fairfax County connector trail, Prince William County has a model to follow. The National Park Service has offered to start design work on the trail and local politicians have introduced legislation in the US House of Representatives to provide tax credits to landowners along the proposed trail route.

As an avid walker who has the benefit of easy access to the paths at the Occoquan Wildlife Refuge the importance of this trail to the communities close by is apparent. With more people looking for ways to leave their car at home a walking and biking trail along this proposed 8 mile stretch would be a great benefit to Prince William County.