Potomac Overlook Regional Park image

Potomac Overlook Regional Park

Tourist attraction Park Hiking area Playground

One of the Top rated Tourist attractions in Clarendon


Address

2845 Marcey Rd, Arlington, VA 22207, United States

Website

www.novaparks.com

Contact

+1 703-528-5406

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (548 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 1 to 5 pm
  • Monday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (23) trails (17) Potomac (16) nature (11) center (8) easy (7) Overlook (7) trail (7) parking (6) overlook (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Liz F. 2 years ago on Google • 266 reviews
    It should remove 'overlook' from its title but other than that, it is easy to walk around and navigate. The view has changed quite a bit since the inception of the park. You can NOT see the Potomac from any viewpoint that we traversed today. There were several noisy school groups on the paths in the woods; but also a pleasant surprise of the rescued owls and falcon. That was neat to see. The paths were not that difficult and we pretty much wandered around for an hour with no problems. I would have liked a bit harder terrain but this was nice after our more rigorous hike yesterday. There is a nature center here and the parking was pretty decent. Bathrooms available too. I would recommend this for running about as well as easy hiking.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cristin H. 2 years ago on Google • 87 reviews
    Potomac Regional Overlook park is a off Military Rd, on Marcy Rd. It looks like a residential neighborhood but opens to a county maintained park. Pass the basketball and tennis courts up a short winding road that splits and forks to the right. A small tot playground and parking lot are at the top of the loop. Several walking trails split from a main trail. Heritage signs along the way explain a small portion of the land’s history. Most trails are easy for anyone. There’s a trail that along the creek. It’s hard to cross depending on the time of year. But there are several places to play in the water. Dog friendly.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mark C. 4 months ago on Google • 170 reviews
    Phenomenal view of the Grand Falls. A must go see!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 SMC L. 1 year ago on Google • 275 reviews
    Potomac Overlook Regional Park is an absolute gem of a park in Virginia it offers a wide variety of recreational activities for individuals and families alike. As someone who has visited the park multiple times, I can confidently say that it is one of my favorite outdoor destinations in the area. The park is nestled in a picturesque setting and boasts numerous hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding natural landscape. These trails are well-maintained and cater to all levels of hikers, from beginners to more experienced outdoor enthusiasts. The park also features a nature center that offers a range of educational programs and exhibits about the local flora and fauna, making it an excellent destination for families with children. One of the things I love most about Potomac Overlook Regional Park is the abundance of picnic areas and open spaces that make it a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon with friends or family. Whether you're looking to play some sports, enjoy a picnic lunch, or simply take a stroll, there is something for everyone here. Another highlight of the park is the impressive overlook that provides breathtaking views of the Potomac River and surrounding area. It's the perfect spot to take in a beautiful sunset or enjoy a peaceful moment of solitude. Overall, I would highly recommend Potomac Overlook Regional Park to anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's a well-maintained and well-loved park that offers something for everyone, and I always leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after a visit. The children had a great time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Carol M. 3 years ago on Google • 38 reviews
    There were plenty of trails to explore. There were quite a few people, kids and dogs on leashes but it wasn't like you were standing in line. We didn't have a map with us but there was one at the beginning of Overlook Trail(should havevtaken a picture) which is the yellow trail near parking lot. We thought we were going to do the yellow and red trails because they intersect each other. Some trees do have markers on them but at some intersections you can't tell which path you are on for quite awhile. Which is why we ended up being on yellow, red, green, Potomac Heritage and blue trails. We ened the day following blue till we found a waterfall on right and there is a steep high step rock stairway that leads to a neighborhood. Google maps helped us get to the park through the neighborhood. We could have back tracked but there were some brutal parts that I just wasn't up to doing again. Young fit people would have no problem with it. You do need to cross some streams on the Potomac Heritage and blue trails. With easy rock hopping. There are some trees crossing the paths I'm 5 ft and only had a real problem with one. It was an adventure that I would like to do again!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 David C. 6 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Excellent park, easy to get to and with a variety of activities for the family. We enjoyed walking the trails, visiting the birds of prey and the nature center, then wrapping up at the playground.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Benjamin C. 4 years ago on Google
    I had a blast I saw the bird in the cages and wildlife. I was on a date with my girlfriend and she loved it. The trees changing color is always fun to see. Plus there wasn't a lot of people thereto we kinda had it to ourselves. They have picnic tables and chairs all throughout the park. Trails are well kept. I would recommend it to my friends.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer A. 5 years ago on Google • 4 reviews
    Louise(my dog) thought we were going out for a short hike and ended with 3.5miles of exploring the hills, the river, meeting new fur friends. The scenery was peaceful. The trails were well kept and the area was clean a preserved. We even saw a pack of deer run through. The trails did not have a lot of traffic on them but just enough to know where you were. I think we could have easily got 4miles of exploring in.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M Gabriel S. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a great hidden gem! The trails are well shaded and maintained. Their bird-of-prey rescue center and community garden are a great educational outlet for all. Put this on your list of places to visit in the DC area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sam P. 5 years ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing. So beautiful, we walked 2 hours down the Potomac heritage trail, and then 2 hours back. Would definitely recommend good footwear and a desire for adventure!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John H. 1 year ago on Google
    Love the hiking here. Last time I was there was early Spring before the trees budded. This time is was so green and beautiful. Just wish the planes weren't constantly flying overhead.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steve E. 2 years ago on Google
    Great park easy to get to. The parking is limited so find parking on street leading in rather than waste time on narrow road in and out. There is a fair amount of activity during nice weather so make sure you are prepared to see / pass other people and dogs. If you are looking for solitude this park may not be your best bet, but otherwise it is a great place to hike with your dog. Some hills but not challenging.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alison R. 7 months ago on Google • 42 reviews
    The trails down to the river are in okay condition, but you have to be pretty nimble since erosion reshapes the streams rather frequently. There is a fair bit of trash around the good picnic spots and fishing holes along the river.

  • 5/5 Ethan K. 4 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    Fantastic nature center, ample trails with variability in terrain and direct hiking access to the Potomac Heritage Trail. Would highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Jen L. 3 months ago on Google • 16 reviews New
    I was staying in Arlington with a group of HS students and teachers. I wanted to run to the Potomac from where we were staying so I mapped out a route and was led to and through the Potomac Regional Park and am I so glad I checked it out! What a gorgeous and fun nature park! I ran through twists and turns and ended up down at the Potomac. I loved every minute of it!

  • 4/5 Erika Burns M. 1 year ago on Google
    Surprisingly large nature park in north Arlington. Trails could be better marked and mapped, and road noise from GW Parkway is present in some areas. Overall a solid park to visit if it's convenient to where you live.

  • 5/5 Amir B. 2 years ago on Google
    A beautiful place for a walk. Just to have a real expectation I should mention that even though it has "Overlook" in its name you barely could have an overlook over Potomac and apparently it's because of trees making a barrier!

  • 5/5 Hailey D. 2 years ago on Google
    Well maintained trails and the creek seemed clean. My doggo loved it here. I do wish there were more trail maps, we got a bit turned around. Oh, and despite the name, there isn't an actual overlook.

  • 5/5 Jon R. 1 year ago on Google
    I've been going to Potomac Overlook park since I was a pre-teen. Hiking with my friends, checking the creek for wildlife, taking in the great overlook view (before you could no longer), and just enjoying nature. I take my own children there now. We visit the raptors, check the frog pond, visit the nature center, and go on hiking adventures. It's such a gem. I hope more people discover it.

  • 5/5 Lambert M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great little park with a nature hike/trail. Dog friendly and well maintained. There is parking. Closes at sunset.

  • 5/5 Lisa G. 1 year ago on Google
    The park is beautiful. The nature center is a fun place to visit. The trails are well laid out and an easy walk. It is a great place for kids.

  • 4/5 Bill K. 10 months ago on Google
    Birbs of prey are being cared for here and I saw a raspberry. Penny likes but some trails are overgrown. Also despite its name, no overlook of Potomy.

  • 4/5 Annie 11 months ago on Google
    Great spot for a short hike through the woods. You can also see 3 owls they have! Cook experience. Parking is limited.

  • 4/5 Sam F. 8 months ago on Google
    Nice park, but disappointed to see all the dog owners with their dogs off leash, including large dogs such as boxers and a Rhodesian Ridgeback. I’m a dog person but I don’t assume that everyone is or would want my dog running up to them, their children, or their dog. On top of which there are several signs stating that dogs must be on leash.

  • 5/5 Caroline H. 2 years ago on Google
    Neat spot! When leaves are off the trees in winter, you can still see the Potomac River from the overlook trail. The park has a cool nature center, fruit/vegetable garden, native species garden, and aviary with two owls and a hawk (don't miss them!). Parking can be tough since it's a popular park, just keep circling.


Call +1 703-528-5406 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Last updated:
()