The rushing river cascades over the rocks of the Potomac

National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

visit on nps.gov

Info

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.

Park Photos

The rushing river cascades over the rocks of the Potomac
1 of 5

The area of Great Falls is one of the reasons for the C&O Canal needed to be built for boat traffic.

Credit: NPS photo

The rushing river cascades over the rocks of the Potomac
A single bike rider on the towpath next to the widewater section of the canal.
A whitewashed lockhouse sits above a stone lock with wooden crib.
Fog over the Potomac River alongside the Canal towpath.
A replica double decker canal boat is being pulled upstream by mules.

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

Fees

Passes

Operating Hours

The towpath is open 365 days a year.

DayHours
Wednesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Monday
Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday
Sunrise to Sunset
Sunday
Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Friday
Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday
Sunrise to Sunset

Weather info

The Washington, DC, area has a four-season Mid-Atlantic climate. Summertime is warm and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy. Precipitation averages 2-4” monthly, year-round. The climate gradually gets cooler and wetter further west along the canal where the elevation is higher.

Events