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Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park |
Description:
The C&O Canal follows the route of the Potomac River for 184.5 miles from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, MD. The canal operated from 1828-1924 as a transportation route, primarily hauling coal from western Maryland to the port of Georgetown in Washington, D.C.
Hundreds of original structures, including locks, lockhouses, and aqueducts, serve as reminders of the canal's role as a transportation system during the Canal Era. In addition, the canal's towpath provides a nearly level, continuous trail through the spectacular scenery of the Potomac River Valley. Every year millions of visitors come to hike or bike the C&O Canal in order to enjoy the natural, cultural, and recreational opportunities available.
Designations:
Acquired by National Park Service (September 23, 1938)
National Monument (January 18, 1961)
National Historical Park (January 8, 1971)
Boundary Change (November 10, 1978)
Accessibility:
Much of the park's 184.5 mile towpath and the Olmsted Island trail to the Great Falls of the Potomac are wheelchair accessible. Mule drawn canal boat rides in Georgetown are also wheelchair accessible. Please contact one of the park's visitor centers for more information.
Getting Around:
Hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding (from mile 16.6 to mile 184.5) are the most popular ways to travel through the park. There are many access points to the park.
Activites:
Biking | Boating | Camping | Climbing | Educational Programs | Fishing | Hiking | Horseback Riding | Wildlife Viewing | Backpacking | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | Kayaking | Cross Country Skiing | And more.
Facilities:
Restaurant or Snack Bar | Picnic Areas | Comfort Stations | Museum Exhibits | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Directions to Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Car:
Various sections of the canal can be reached via Routes I-495, I-70, and I-68. Please see a park map or contact a visitor center for specific directions.
Public Transportation
Amtrak's Capital Limited services the following points along the canal-Washington, D.C., Harpers Ferry, WV, and Cumberland, MD.
Nearby Parks:
Antietam National Battlefield
George Washington Memorial Parkway
Great Falls Park
Monocacy National Battlefield
National Mall None
Glen Echo Park
Clara Barton National Historic Site
Rock Creek Park
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
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