Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

About

This park's official page lists: Pet-friendly (leashed).

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.

At the park

• Visitor center exhibit
• Biking activity
• Camping activity
• Hiking trails trail

Events

• Abner Cloud House Tour 12:00 PM–04:00 PM · 4940 Canal Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007
• Cumberland Terminus Ranger Talk
• Music on the Canal at Great Falls
• Guided Tours of Riley's Lockhouse 01:00 PM–04:00 PM
• Lockhouse 44 - Williamsport
• Cushwa Basin Birds: Fall Migrants & Local Residents
• Sun Astronomy at Great Falls
• Four Locks Walking Tour 10:30 AM–12:00 PM · Four Locks boat ramp parking lot is located near Clear Springs, Maryland. The boat ramp can be reached by turning onto Four Locks Road off Maryland Route 56; driving 0.6 miles and bearing right onto Starliper Road. Then, drive though the culvert to the boat ramp parking lot.
• Fossil Day @ Cushwa Basin 10:00 AM–02:00 PM

Before you go

Limits

Pets are allowed in most park areas, but must be on a leash not exceeding six (6) feet in length at all times

Limits

Drones are not allowed at C&O Canal NHP Unmanned Aircraft (Drones, model airplanes, etc...)

Getting there

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.

Weather & when to go

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.

⚠ Park closure: Closures: Detours; Towpath; Points of Interest

Multiple items are closed due to hazardous conditions or maintenance. See below for more details.

⚠ Caution: DC Water Sewer Overflow

DC Water is managing a sanitary sewer overflow from the Potomac Interceptor near Lock 10. Anyone with questions or in need of support can reach out to DC Water’s 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400 or visit https://www.dcwater.com/about-dc-water/media/potomac-interceptor-collapse.

Park alert: Equestrian Traffic Temporarily Prohibited - Mile 124.5 to 155

Horses are prohibited between Little Tonoloway (mile 124.5) and Paw Paw (mile 155) due to recent and ongoing towpath resurfacing. See more for details.

⚠ Caution: Hiking in Gold Mine Tract

Visitors are restricted to the designated trails within the Gold Mine Tract in the Great Falls area. This location is generally defined as that area bordered by MacArthur Boulevard and Berma Road and depicted on the Great Falls Maryland Hiking Map.

Visitor center

Billy Goat Trail Section A Trailhead

Visitor center

C&O Canal Entrance Station

Visitor center

C&O Canal Lock 20

Visitor center

C&O Canal Lock 33

Facilities on the park map

1 bench, 19 picnic area, 8 restroom, 4 visitor information.