National Park Service · VA
George Washington Memorial Parkway
The George Washington Memorial Parkway was designed for recreational driving. It links sites that commemorate important episodes in American history and preserve habitat for local wildlife. The parkway and its associated trails provide a scenic place to play and rest in the busy Washington, DC metropolitan area.
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Trails ranked today
Difficult Run Trail
Scenic streamside trail following Difficult Run through a rocky gorge to its confluence with the Potomac. Narrow with rocky sections; anchors a popular loop with the River and Ridge trails.
Matildaville Trail
Passes the stone ruins of Matildaville, a town founded in 1790 and abandoned by the 1830s, near the Patowmack Canal. Gently hilly with winter glimpses of Mather Gorge.
Old Carriage Road
Flat, wide historic roadbed once used to reach the town of Matildaville. An easy walk through the woods, good for birding and a gentle alternative to the rocky River Trail.
River Trail
The park’s signature hike, skirting the clifftops above Mather Gorge with spectacular views of the Potomac’s rapids. Rocky, uneven footing with some scrambling.
About this park
Agency
National Park Service.
Official site
Coordinates
38.9628, -77.1495
Trails covered
4 curated routes at this park.