Potomac River
View of the Potomac River, Analostan Island, Georgetown, and, in the distance, buildings of the nascent City of Washington. (Engraving based on an 1801 watercolor by George Jacob Beck.)
After an absence lasting many decades, the American Shad has recently returned to the Potomac.
Several hundred bottle-nosed dolphins live six months of the year (from mid-April through mid-October) in the Potomac. Depicted here, a mother with her young.
Eastern box turtles are frequently spotted along the towpath of the C&O Canal.
Five-lined skink, juvenile
The South Branch near South Branch Depot, West Virginia
Confluence of the Cacapon River (barely visible) with the Potomac
Oblique air photo, facing southwest, of the Potomac River flowing through water gaps in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Virginia on the left, Maryland on the right, West Virginia in upper right, including Harpers Ferry (partially obscured by Maryland Heights of Elk Ridge Mountain) at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.
Potomac River at Goose Creek
The Great Falls of the Potomac, viewed from the Virginia bank of the river (Engraving based on an aquatint drawn by George Jacob Beck in 1802)
Potomac River
"Diverse Flora and Fauna"
Potomac River, Washington Overview
The Potomac River originates from two sources. The north branch originates at the Fairfax Stone in West Virginia, while the south branch originates in northern Virginia. It combines in West Virginia and eventually drains into Chesapeake Bay. The river is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, while also providing water for almost 5 million people.
The river is also popular for migrating fish and dolphins that move to its warmer waters during the winters.
Length: 405 miles (652 kms)
Sights to see along the river: Little Falls Dam, Arlington Memorial Bridge, Georgetown, Alexandria, National Harbor
States it flows through: West Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia
Activities and services offered along the river: Kayaking, boating, sightseeing cruises
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