George Washington traveled through this region on foot, horseback, and by boat while pursuing his dream of westward expansion by connecting the Atlantic Seaboard to the frontier West. His efforts to reengineer, dam, channelize, and straighten the Potomac River influenced industrialization in the 1800s and beyond, but the river resisted. Today wild intermingles with urban, and huge oaks, sycamores, and tulip poplars guard the river. The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail network provides access to the region's history, culture, and ecology through hiking and water trails that create an intimate connection with the river and the distinctive Piedmont landscape.