National Historical Park · DC, MD, WV

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.

nps.gov ↗

Photos

The rushing river cascades over the rocks of the Potomac
The area of Great Falls is one of the reasons for the C&O Canal needed to be built for boat traffic.
A single bike rider on the towpath next to the widewater section of the canal.
The towpath offers a serene bike riding experience.
A whitewashed lockhouse sits above a stone lock with wooden crib.
Lockhouse 16 sits atop a stone outcropping above the lock.
Fog over the Potomac River alongside the Canal towpath.
Big Slackwater is a 3 mile stretch where canal boats entered the Potomac River to travel above Dam 4.
A replica double decker canal boat is being pulled upstream by mules.
Mule-drawn canal boat rides are offered at Great Falls Tavern, April through October.

Activities

  • Biking
  • Road Biking
  • Boating
  • Boat Tour
  • Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Group Camping
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Guided Tours
  • Boat Tour
  • Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Ice Skating
  • Paddling
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Skiing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snowshoeing
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Shopping