Alert: Equestrian Traffic Temporarily Prohibited Milepost 173.37 to 184.5
National Historical Park
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
The area of Great Falls is one of the reasons for the C&O Canal needed to be built for boat traffic. NPS photo
Overview
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.
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.
Entrance - Motorcycle: 15.00
Pass is for one motorcycle 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.
Entrance - Per Person: 10.00
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.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups: 100.00
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.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach: 100.00
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.
Commercial Entrance - Van: 40.00
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.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus: 40.00
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.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan: 25.00
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.
Map
Things To Do
Category
6 Results
Take a Boat Ride on the Canal
Free
Description
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.
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.
Explore the C&O Canal Williamsport Visitors Center
Free
Description
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.
The rushing river cascades over the rocks of the PotomacA 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.
