Alert: Closures: Detours; Towpath; Points of Interest: Multiple items are closed due to hazardous conditions or maintenance. See below for more details.
National Historical Park
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
Towpath along Lush Canal NPS
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
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers to 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
Multi-Park Loop
Free
Description
Park your car and stretch your legs! Visit four different National Parks in Washington, DC and begin logging miles on seven different National Historic or National Scenic trails!
During the winter months, the C&O Canal may accumulate enough snow for winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing. Visitors can step out onto the towpath and enjoy a short or multi-mile journey along the historic canal
Some facilities within the Trail corridor charge a fee (e.g., some parks, historic sites, etc.) and some require reservations (e.g., shelters along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail). Please check with a Trail management partner for current information.
Pet FriendlyTime:1-8 Hours
Wildlife Watching - Oldtown C&O Canal
Free
Description
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.
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.
A gravel travel next to a watered canal surrounded by bright greeneryA bright blue sky reflects off clear waterA path leads up to a large stone tunnel carved into a mountainA single bike rider on the towpath next to the widewater section of the canal.Fog over the Potomac River alongside the Canal towpath.A whitewashed lockhouse sits above a stone lock with wooden crib.The rushing river cascades over the rocks of the Potomac
