Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures.

Riding guide

Entrance fees & passes

• Entrance - Private Vehicle

  Pass is for one private, non-commercial vehicle — passenger cars, pickup trucks, RVs and vans — and is valid at the Great Falls area of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park on the Maryland side of the Potomac River and Great Falls Park on the Virginia side of the Potomac River.

  $20.00

• Entrance - Motorcycle

  Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers to the Great Falls area of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park on the Maryland side of the Potomac River and at Great Falls Park on the Virginia side of the Potomac River.

  $15.00

• Entrance - Per Person

  Pass is for one person 16 years of age or older — entering on foot or by bicycle — and is valid at the Great Falls area of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park on the Maryland side of the Potomac River and at Great Falls Park on the Virginia side of the Potomac River.

  $10.00

• Entrance - Non-commercial Groups

  Includes church groups, college/school groups, scouts, service organizations, military, etc... Vehicles with passenger capacity of fewer than 16 persons, $20 for the vehicle. Vehicles with a passenger capacity of 16 or more persons, $10 per person age 16 and over. Removal of seats from a vehicle does not then qualify for the lower rate. Age and pass exemptions apply. The total fee charged for an Organized Non-Commercial Group will not exceed the $100 fee per vehicle.

  $100.00

• Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach

  The commercial pass is valid for date of purchase plus six days at the Great Falls area of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. Please note that fees are based on vehicle capacity and not actual occupants.

  $100.00

• Commercial Entrance - Van

  The commercial pass is valid for date of purchase plus six days at the Great Falls area of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. Please note that fees are based on vehicle capacity and not actual occupants.

  $40.00

• Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus

  The commercial pass is valid for date of purchase plus six days at the Great Falls area of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. Please note that fees are based on vehicle capacity and not actual occupants.

  $40.00

• Commercial Entrance - Sedan

  The commercial pass is valid for date of purchase plus six days at the Great Falls area of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. Please note that fees are based on vehicle capacity and not actual occupants.

  $25.00

• Annual Entrance - Park

  Valid for one full year from the month of purchase. Permits access to the Great Falls area of the C&O Canal National Historical Park in Maryland and Great Falls Park in Virginia. The annual pass allows entrance for the pass holder and additional passengers in a single private non-commercial vehicle, or pass holder plus three adults when entering on foot or bicycle

  $35.00

Trails

No trails synced for this park yet.

Campgrounds

• Antietam Creek Campground

  20 sites

  Mile 69.4 (Washington County, MD) - The campground has 20 single campsites each with a picnic table, fire ring and grill. Each campsite will accommodate up to eight campers. Pit toilets are located between campsite #6 and campsite #7 adjacent to the towpath. A second set of chemical toilets are available down the towpath. Potable water is along the towpath at pumps (available mid-April to mid-November). No vehicular traffic is allowed on the towpath and access to the campsites is by foot only.

  Reserve a site

• Bald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 50.3 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Big Woods Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 82.7 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Cacapon Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 133.6 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Calico Rocks Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 47.6 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Chisel Branch Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 30.5 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Cumberland Valley Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 95.2 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Devils Alley Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 144.5 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Evitts Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 180.1 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Fifteenmile Creek Campground

  10 sites

  Mile 140 (Allegany County, MD) - The campground has nine single drive-in campsites. There is one group site available that does not have direct vehicle access. The group site can accommodate 30 people. Each single will accommodate up to eight people. Single campsites have a picnic table, fire ring and grill. Pit toilets are located between campsite #3 and campsite #4 along the dead end circle. Potable water is available from mid-April to mid-November No motor vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath.

  Reserve a site

• Horsepen Branch Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 26.1 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Horseshoe Bend Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 79.2 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Huckleberry Hill Hiker-Biker Campsite

  0 sites

  Mile 62.0 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Indian Flats Hiker-Biker Campsite

  0 sites

  Mile 42.5 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Indigo Neck Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 139.2 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Irons Mountain Hiker-Biker Campsite

  0 sites

  Mile 175.3 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Jordan Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 101.2 - THiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Killiansburg Cave Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 75.2 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Leopards Mill Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 129.9 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Licking Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite

  0 sites

  Mile 116.0 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Little Pool Hiker-Biker Campsite

  0 sites

  Mile 120.4 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Marble Quarry Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 38.2 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Marsden Tract Group Campground

  6 sites

  Mile 11.5 (Montgomery County, MD). The campground has six group campsites; sites accommodate up to 30 campers at each site. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Potable water is located a short walk up the towpath and across the footbridge (water may not be available during cold winter months). Portable toilets are in the campground. No vehicle traffic is allowed on the towpath and access to the campsites is by foot only. Carderock Recreation Area or Anglers are the two closest parking areas.

  Reserve a site

• Mccoys Ferry Campground

  13 sites

  Mile 110.4 (Washington County, MD) - The campground has 12 single drive-in campsites. Each single accommodates up to eight people. Single campsites have a picnic table, fire ring and grill. There is one group site available with space for two vehicles and a small trailer or support vehicle less than 20 ft. Group site can accommodate 30 people and has four picnic tables with grill and fire pit. Pit toilets and accessible portable toilets are available. Hand pump water is available April 15 - November 1.

  Reserve a site

• North Mountain Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 110.0 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Opequon Junction Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 90.9 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Paw Paw Tunnel Campground

  10 sites

  Mile 156 (Allegany County, MD) - There are 10 single campsites, each has a picnic table, fire ring and grill. Each site can accommodate eight people. If there is a larger group, reserve two sites next to each other. Portable toilets are available. Hamp pump water is available from April 15-November 1.

  Reserve a site

• Pigmans Ferry Hiker-Biker Campsite

  0 sites

  Mile 169.1 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Potomac Forks Hiker-Biker Campsite

  0 sites

  Mile 164.8 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Purslane Run Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 156.9 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Sorrel Ridge Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 154.1 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Spring Gap Campground

  14 sites

  Mile 173.3 (Allegany County, MD) - Spring Gap Campground offers 12 single drive-in campsites and two drive-in group sites. Campsites 1, 2, 8, 11 and 13 can fit a single vehicle (i.e., car/pickup/van). Campsites 3-7, 12, 14 can fit a small 20 ft. or less RV/trailer/pop-up. Single sites can accommodate up to eight people. Each single has a picnic table, fire pit and grill. Campsites 9 and 10 are group sites capable of holding 30 people each. The group site has room for two vehicles.

  Reserve a site

• Stickpile Hill Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 149.4 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Swains Lock Hiker-Biker Campsite

  5 sites

  Mile 16.6 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Town Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites

  Mile 162.1 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 34.4 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use. Water is turned off from mid-November to mid-April each year.

• White Rock Hiker-Biker Campsite

  1 sites · 1 horse-friendly

  Mile 126.4 - Hiker-biker campgrounds are located along the towpath approximately every 5-7 miles. No fee or reservation required. Overnight stays are limited to one night. All sites include a chemical toilet, picnic table, grill, and water. Please Note: Water at hiker-biker campsites is non-potable. Water is not treated and not for drinking or cooking. If you use this water, you are advised to filter, chemically treat, or boil before use.

Points of interest

• Abner Cloud House

  POI

  Abner Cloud had this house built in the year 1801. If you look up, on the chimney, you can see the initials "A.C." and the date 1801. Abner Cloud lived here with his family until he died in 1812. His widow lived another 40 years.

• Abner Cloud Mill

  POI

  Abner Cloud used the basement of his house to store grain and flour that came from his mill.

• Antietam Aqueduct

  POI

• Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area

  POI

  The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA) works to conserve, enhance, interpret, and promote a regional network of forest heritage resources in the central Appalachian Highlands. Designated a National Heritage Area in 2019, AFNHA covers sixteen counties in West Virginia and two counties in western Maryland.

• Big Slackwater Boat Ramp

  POI

• Billy Goat Trail Section A Trailhead

  POI

• Bollman Bridge

  POI

• Brunswick Boat Ramp

  POI

• Capital Crescent Trail terminus

  POI

• Catoctin Creek Aqueduct

  POI

• C&O Canal Entrance Station

  POI

• C&O Canal Ferry Hill

  POI

  Located in Sharpsburg, Maryland, with a view toward Shepherdstown, West Virginia, Ferry Hill has stood for two centuries above the Potomac River and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, participating in and watching history pass by. Ferry Hill is best known as the home of Henry Kyd Douglas, Confederate Officer and author of his Civil War personal account, "I Rode With Stonewall."

• C&O Canal Incline Plane

  POI

  To alleviate traffic congestion on the C&O Canal, the Incline Plane allowed coal boats to be transported down to the Potomac River by means of a system of caissons, pulleys, steel cables and counterweights. After an accident in 1877 in which three men were killed, the caissons were drained of water before the boats descended. In 1878, 1,918 trips were recorded on the Incline Plane. Also in that year, a model of the Incline Plane was exhibited at the World's Fair in Paris. Aft

• C&O Canal Inlet lock

  POI

  Inlet lock 1 is where water is diverted from the Potomac River into the five miles of the Georgetown section of the C&O Canal. Eight dams at various points along the canal allowed water to flow into the eight sections. If one of the eight sections were damaged, the canal company could close just one section to affect repairs - they did not have to shut down the whole canal!

• C&O Canal Intake

  POI

  This is one of series of intakes that provided water to help power the mills in this area including a flour and a paper mill. Providing water to the mills was another form of income for the canal company. At least one intake was in used until the 1960's.

• C&O Canal Intakes

  POI

  This is one of series of intakes that provided water to help power the mills in this area including a flour and a paper mill. <br /><br />Thees are ruins of two dual intakes for the Wilkins Rogers Milling Company water intake ruins are located on river (Fishmarket Square) side of the canal. When operational, each intake consisted of two intake openings stacked directly on top of each other. They supplied the former mill to the south with surplus canal water from 1839 to 1960. <br />

• C&O Canal Lock 1

  POI

  The very first lock on the C&O Canal. Locks are like elevators and allow boats to move up in elevation. By closing and opening the lock gates in the right order, one can fill or empty the lock chamber. This will raise or lower the boat.Seventy-three more locks over the next 183 miles lead into Cumberland, Maryland in the Allegheny Mountains. Today, visitors can still travel the towpath, tracing the same route as mules and canal boats more than 100 years ago.From the shore of

• C&O Canal Lock 10 (Seven Locks)

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 11

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 12

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 13

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 14

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 15

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 16

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 17

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 18

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 19

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 2

  POI

  Can you find the words "TE AMO" ("I love you" in Latin and Spanish) on the capstones of Lock 2? They were chiseled by an unknown mason for an unknown reason. Chances are, he was unable to finish the inscription - witness the letters PA in the lower left hand corner. What was the rest of that word to be? The rest of the inscription? Do you wonder what he intended to say?If you look down into the lock chamber, you can still see the original timber foundation from construction

• C&O Canal Lock 20

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 21 (Swains Lock)

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 22 (Pennyfield Lock)

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 23 (Violettes Lock)

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 24 (Rileys Lock)

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 25

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 26

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 27

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 28

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 29 (Lander)

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 3

  POI

  Like all the lift locks on the canal, canal boats could be raised for an upstream journey or lowered for a downstream journey by opening and closing the lock doors in the correct sequence. Lift Lock 3 was restored in 2016-2019. The lock was fully disassembled, the original wood foundation removed and replaced with a re-enforced concrete foundation, and the lock rebuilt using as much of the original stone as possible.

• C&O Canal Lock 30

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 31

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 32

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 34

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 35

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 36

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 37

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 38 (Shepherdstown)

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 39

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 4

  POI

  Along the 184.5 miles of the canal are 74 lift locks. These locks were put into place to help boats overcome the 605-foot elevation change between Georgetown and Cumberland. The C&O Canal is like a staircase, canal boats traveled along the flat sections and used the locks to take a “step up or down” about eight feet. The locks typically had hand-operated miter gates that were simple and followed Leonardo da Vinci’s original 1485 design.

• C&O Canal Lock 40

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 41

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 42

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 43

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 44 (Williamsport)

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 45

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 46

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 47

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 48

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 49

  POI

• C&O Canal Lock 5

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  In 1829, President John Quincy Adams laid the cornerstone of Lock #5. Floods damaged the lock in the 19th century, and the upper red sandstone stones were added, probably to avert even more flood damage. The lower, grey-colored stone is original and came from Aquia creek and from a quarry less than 1 mile form this site. Level 4, between Lift Lock 5 and Lift Lock 4 (between Thomas Jefferson St and 31st Street in Georgetown, Washington DC) is four miles long.

• C&O Canal Lock 50

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• C&O Canal Lock 51

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• C&O Canal Lock 52

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• C&O Canal Lock 53

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• C&O Canal Lock 54

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• C&O Canal Lock 55

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• C&O Canal Lock 56

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• C&O Canal Lock 57

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• C&O Canal Lock 58

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• C&O Canal Lock 59

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• C&O Canal Lock 6

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• C&O Canal Lock 60

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• C&O Canal Lock 61

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• C&O Canal Lock 62

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• C&O Canal Lock 63

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• C&O Canal Lock 64

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• C&O Canal Lock 66

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• C&O Canal Lock 67

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• C&O Canal Lock 68

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• C&O Canal Lock 69

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• C&O Canal Lock 70

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• C&O Canal Lock 71

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• C&O Canal Lock 72

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• C&O Canal Lock 73

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• C&O Canal Lock 74

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• C&O Canal Lock 75

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• C&O Canal Lock 7 (Glen Echo)

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• C&O Canal Lock 8 (Seven Locks)

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• C&O Canal Lock 9

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• C&O Canal Lockhouse 10 Canal Quarters

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• C&O Canal Lockhouse 21 Canal Quarters

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• C&O Canal Lockhouse 22 Canal Quarters

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• C&O Canal Lockhouse 25 Canal Quarters

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• C&O Canal Lockhouse 28 Canal Quarters

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• C&O Canal Lockhouse 29 (Lander)

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• C&O Canal Lockhouse 44

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• C&O Canal Lockhouse 49 Canal Quarters

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• C&O Canal Lockhouse 6 Canal Quarters

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• C&O Canal Mile 0

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  From this point, hikers and bikers can state unequivocally that they have ended - or are just starting- their full trip on the C&O Canal towpath. The towpath follows along the canal for 184.5 miles to the Cumberland, MD terminus. Many bikers begin in Pittsburgh and travel the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail to Cumberland and then follow the towpath to here for a total trip of 333 miles.If you are a through biker or hiker reaching the end of your journey, Congratulations!!

• C&O Canal Mile 4

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  This is the fourth mile marker on the C&O Canal - only 178.5 miles to go until Cumberland!

• C&O Canal Mule Drink and Overflow

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  Managing water levels both during normal canal operations and during floods was and still is a key task. Water for the canal comes in at series of inlet locks. Inlet Lock 1, which is at Lift Lock 5 over the Washington, DC boundary in Maryland, feeds the Georgetown section. Waste Weirs (a gate in the side of the canal) and the lift lock gates can be used used to adjust levels. There are also spillways along the canal, which are also referred to as "mule drinks" that operate l

• C&O Canal Outtake

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  Georgetown was once an industrial area. The building across the canal is the former Capital Traction Powerhouse, which provided power for the streetcars in Georgetown. There were outtake pipes that were used to blow off steam from the boilers. Early on the morning of September 11, 2016, the Spong family was moored to the concrete wall theat ran beneath the powerhouse, right at a steam pipe. At usual time, 6 am, the powerhouse blew out the boilers and the steam burst and forc

• C&O Canal Park Headquarters

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• C&O Canal Spillway

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  The spill way is used to let high water in the canal flow back into the Potomac River. The spillway is also known as a "mule drink" as it is a low and convenient place for the canal mules to have a drink of water.

• C&O Canal Tidelock

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  Coal boats navigating the C&O Canal could use the tidelock to lock through between the Potomac River and Rock Creek, The used the last 1/4 of mile of the creek. Canal boats could then be taken nearby wharf or down river to unload at a power plant or warehouse along the Potomac. A dam with a waste gate went across the mouth of Rock Creek and was used to maintain a steady water level in Rock Creek for canal operations instead of having the creek get lower with a low tide. Ther

• C&O Canal Waste Weir

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  If the water level in the canal rose too high, paddles at the bottom of the gate could be opened to allow excess water to flow back into the Potomac.

• Conococheague Aqueduct

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• Dam 3

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• Dam 4

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• Dargan Bend Boat Ramp

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• Edwards Ferry Boat Ramp

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• Evitts Creek Aqueduct

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• Fifteenmile Creek Aqueduct

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• Fishmarket Square

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  Where's the market? While the current brick plaza was constructed in the 1980s, the history goes back to the 1790s. Before the canal was built, this plaza and the space on the other side of the canal was market and jail. Across the canal is the 1865 Market building, built to replace the 1795 market. After the canal cut the market in two, this portion became a fish market.

• Fletchers Cove

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  Here at Fletchers Cove, you can picnic, fish, boat, and ride your bike. You can also visit the Fletcher's Boathouse concession stand or just sit and enjoy the scenery. You can also purchase your DC fishing license. This is a popular stop for hikers and bikers on the C&O Canal, or on the Capital Crescent Trail.

• Four Locks Boat Ramp

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• Foxhall-Columbia Foundry Complex Ruins

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  These ruins are the remnants of a once bustling foundry. Nothing remains of foundry building itself, however these walls ruins of outbuildings. The Foxhall-Columbia Foundry was active from 1800-1854. It supplied cannon to the US Army and from 1800-1809 was the exclusive supplier of cannon. In the early years, the foundry was very productive and successful, however by the 1840's it had fallen in prominence.This the namesake of Foundry Branch, a creek which is just upstream of

• Francis Scott Key Bridge

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  The Francis Scott Key bridge crosses the Potomac River and connect Georgetown on the Washington, DC to Rossyln on the Virginia side. The bridge was completed in 1924. It replaced Aqueduct Bridge as the new Georgetown river crossing. The Aqueduct bridge was final transportation role of the Potomac Aqueduct that connect the C&O Canal and the Alexandria Canal. You can see one of the aqueduct abutments along the towpath just upstream from here.

• Information Panel: Georgetown Visitor Center (Closed)

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  This building located at 1057 Thomas Jefferson St.

• Information Panel: Lock 5

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  Waysides provide safety information and orientation.

• Information Panel: River Warnings!

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  Waysides provide safety information and orientation.

• Key Bridge Boathouse

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  Key Bridge Boathouse is managed by Boating in DC and provides visitors the opportunity to rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.

• Lander Boat Ramp

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• Licking Creek Aqueduct

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• Little Falls Branch

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  Little Falls Branch drains from Maryland and Washington DC and flows under C&O Canal into the Potomac River at Little Falls rapids. The rapids mark the upstream end of the tidal Potomac. In the 1800's, a dam diverted water from the stream into the reservoirs that supplied the District Of Columbia with water. When the Washington Aqueduct was built, the dams were removed. Streams like the Little Falls Branch, flow under the canal through culverts. There are approximately 180 cu

• Little Tonoloway Boat Ramp

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• Low water intake

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• Maryland Heights

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  The majority of hikers ascend Maryland Heights in search of a good view or a healthy workout. This mountain offers both hikes and scenic overlooks which will not disappoint. If history is your thing, Maryland Heights has remnants of extensive Civil War campsites and fortifications and its elevation made it hugely important during the war. To access this area, walk from Lower Town across the footbridge over the Potomac River to the C&O Canal towpath then take a left and walk a

• McCoys Ferry Boat Ramp

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• Monocacy Aqueduct

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  The glistening white and pink quartz sandstone structure is the longest aqueduct along the C&O Canal measuring 516 feet.

• Monocacy Aqueduct Boat Ramp

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• Nolands Ferry Boat Ramp

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• Olmsted Island and Overlook Trail

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• Paw Paw Tunnel

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• Point of Rocks Boat Ramp

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• Potomac Aqueduct

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  From 1843 to 1886, coal boats navigated across the Potomac Aqueduct - actually over the Potomac - on their way via the Alexandria Canal to the wharves of Alexandria, about 7 miles south of here. Later, the aqueduct became part of a trolley line from Rosslyn to Georgetown. If you look across the river, you can still see the only remaining pier.

• Potomac River Bridge Ruins

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• Railroad Lift Bridge

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• Seneca Aqueduct

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• Sideling Hill Creek Aqueduct

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• Snyders Landing Boat Ramp

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• Taylors Landing Boat Ramp

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• The Cumberland (replica boat)

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• Thompson Boat Center

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  Boat rentals and lessons on the Potomac River

• Tonoloway Aqueduct

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• Town Creek Aqueduct

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• Washington Aqueduct

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  The construction and successful operation of the Washington Aqueduct epitomizes the Army Corps of Engineers entry into the field of public works and reflects the military influence on civil life in antebellum America. The Washington Aqueduct, constructed over 150 years ago, still supplies the nation's capital with public water today.

• Wisconsin Avenue bridge

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  This is the oldest masonry bridge in Washington, DC. It predates the incorporation of Georgetown into Washington, DC. Note the name on the eastside keystone - O(rville). B. Dibble - the engineer of the Wisconsin Ave. Bridge. Note also the name of Andrew Jackson - engraved on a stone plaque - who dedicated this bridge upon its completion in 1828. The bridge allowed traffic to cross the canal.

Things to do

• Bicycle from Williamsport to Harpers Ferry

  Want to explore history and enjoy a day bicycling? This is the route for you. Enjoy a leisurely 40-mile bike ride, or choose to hike and or paddle the length instead, spending the night camping or staying in paid accommodations. Historic treasures await you in Williamsport, Shepherdstown, and Harpers Ferry along the way.

  Duration: 1-3 Days

• Bike the C&O Canal Towpath

  By bicycle or on foot, try a short day trip or travel the entire 184.5-mile length of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath.

  Duration: 3-5 Days

• Explore the C&O Canal Williamsport Visitors Center

  Visit the Williamsport Visitor Center at Cushwa Basin for information about the Canal and the surrounding area, sites including an aqueduct, rail lift-bridge, lockhouse, and operable locks.

  Duration: 20-60 Minutes

• Explore the Georgetown Waterfront

  Explore the Georgetown Waterfront and imagine the changes the space has gone through.

  Duration: 60-160 Minutes

• Explore the Trolley Barn at Cushwa Basin

  The trolley barn is located across the parking lot from the Cushwa Building. In 1896, the first trolley line in Washington County, Maryland was built running from Williamsport to Hagerstown. The water supply from the Conococheague Creek made this location ideal for a steam-powered generating station. Today, the trolley barn contains historic photos, historic toys, children's costumes, a scale model of a canal boat’s mule stable, and dioramas.

  Duration: 15-60 Minutes

• Hike Along the Towpath Through the Paw Paw Tunnel

  Walk through the 3,118-foot Paw Paw Tunnel, a significant engineering feature along Mile 155 of the C&O Canal towpath. 

  Duration: 1-2 Minutes

• Paddle the Middle Potomac

  Paddle from Potoma (sic) Wayside, at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, or another launch site and take out at Algonkian Regional Park or Riverbend Park (both Virginia side). Camp at sites along the C & O Canal Towpath, reserve a night in a historic lockhouse (river left upstream of Point of Rocks), reserve a cabin at Algonkian Regional Park (two-night minimum) or find a B & B or hotel. This trip can be combined with hiking and bicycling.

  Duration: 2-4 Days

• Skiing and Snowshoeing the C&O Canal Towpath

  During the winter months, the C&O Canal may accumulate enough snow for winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing. Visitors can step out onto the towpath and enjoy a short or multi-mile journey along the historic canal

• Take a Boat Ride on the Canal

  Today, visitors can enjoy life on the canal during a free replica canal launch boat program at Williamsport. During the late 19th and early 20th century, 30-foot battery and steam powered launch boats traveled the canal for leisure and business.

  Duration: 1-1 Hours

• Wildlife Watching - Oldtown C&O Canal

  Head down the C&O Canal NHP towpath in Oldtown, Maryland into a rare ecosystem mirroring that of the West. Spot a variety of wildlife and dragonfly species in this secluded hotspot. 

  Duration: 2-4 Hours

Visitor centers

• Brunswick Visitor Center

  The Brunswick Visitor Center is located just off the C&O Canal towpath at mile 55 in Frederick County, MD. The visitor center shares a building with the Brunswick Heritage Museum. For over a century Brunswick has been a railroad town. This once bustling company town is now a quiet place since the decline of the railroads. The remains of the rail yard are still visible from the canal towpath.

  Get directions

• Cumberland Visitor Center

  The Cumberland Terminus Visitor Center is located at mile 184.5 along the C&O Canal towpath in Allegany County, MD. Located in the Western Maryland Railway station, the visitor center features a spacious exhibit area full of interactive displays about the history of the C&O Canal and Cumberland. Pass through a model of the Paw Paw Tunnel and step back into the hey day of the canal. Awaiting you is a life size section of a canal boat. View exhibits on the canal's construction, cargo, mules, locks, and crew.

  Get directions

• Georgetown Visitor Center

  The Georgetown Visitor Center is located at mile 0.4 along the C&O Canal towpath in Washington, DC. Information about the National Park Service in Georgetown can be found at the Old Stone House (Rock Creek Park), located at 3051 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20007.

  Get directions

• Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center

  The Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center is located at mile 14.3 (Lock 20) along the C&O Canal towpath in Potomac, MD.

  Get directions

• Williamsport Visitor Center

  The Cushwa Basin Visitor Center in Williamsport is located at mile 99.8 along the C&O Canal towpath in Washington County, MD. Situated at the confluence of the Conococheague Creek and the Potomac River, Williamsport was first settled in 1740. A half-mile rewatered section of canal leads through the turning basin, under the only railroad lift bridge on the canal, and continues to Lockhouse 44 and the adjacent lock. The Conocheague Aqueduct is located across from the turning basin.

  Get directions

Hours of operation

Activities

Weather

Contact

Photos

Directions

The park has numerous access points. There is no main entrance. In Washington, DC, the C&O Canal begins at mile 0 in Georgetown near 29th St NW, south of M St, and runs alongside Canal Rd to the west. The entrance to Great Falls Tavern area is at MacArthur Blvd and Falls Rd in Potomac, MD. Park Headquarters and the Cushwa Basin Visitor Center are in Williamsport, MD off I-81 at exit 2. The Cumberland Terminus Visitor Center and mile 184.5 are off I-68 at exit 43C. See the maps page for more.