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2024 Wayfinding and
Amenities Study

Background on 2024 Wayfinding and
Amenities Study

Why is NVRC looking at wayfinding and amenities on the PHNST?

I. Outcomes from the Strategic Partnership Plan for the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail 2022-2027:

This plan included a focus on improving branding, marketing, wayfinding and signage so visitors can understand how to access, enjoy, and support the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.

Learn more about the Strategic Partnership Plan here.

Outline of Strategic Partnership Plan for the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

II. Results from the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail 2022 Northern Virginia Corridor Analysis:

During the development of the Corridor Analysis, the PHNST management stakeholders identified a range of priorities and needs to advance and promote the trail. Top needs amongst all management stakeholders include increased wayfinding and interpretation materials as well as funding for trail maintenance activities.

A number of management stakeholders discussed the need for inventorying assistance to be able to identify the wayfinding and amenities that exist along their section of the trail.

Learn more at the Corridor Analysis here.

Cover image of the 2022 Corridor Analysis Report

III. Results from the 2021 study "Health, Social Equity, and Economic Impact of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Northern Virginia":

Findings indicated that "the biggest deterrents to participants and their families using the trail include a lack of accommodations (i.e., parking and restrooms) particularly for seniors and persons with disabilities, accessible online information, and wayfinding signage along the trail".
It revealed gaps in access points along the trail in moderately high and high socially vulnerable Census tracts.
Beyond direct links to the trail, improved pedestrian and bike infrastructure in the greater trail corridor would encourage additional use by residents.

Learn more about the Health, Social Equity, and Economic Impact study here.

Updates on Wayfinding & Amenities Study

This spring (2024), volunteers will be using a mobile phone application to identify existing trail amenities, wayfinding, interpretive signage, and other characteristics along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (PHNST). This data will help inform where the PHNST requires increased and improved signage and amenities for greater trail accessibility.

Data collection is expected to wrap up in June (2024). Results will be added to this webpage and amenities will be added to visitor maps.

For any questions, please contact Linnea Sherman at lsherman@novaregion.org.