Variety is the key word when referring to the natural features of C&O Canal National Historical Park. While many National Historical Parks have been established to highlight a specific historical feature or event, visitors to the C&O Canal experience a wide diversity of ecosystems and biological communitites. The power of the potomac river, diverse flora and fauna and ever-changing weather patterns affect this park and its ecosystems.
Did You Know?
The Paw Paw Tunnel is 3,118 feet long and is lined with over six million bricks. The 3/4 mile long tunnel saved the canal builders almost six miles of construction along the Paw Paw bends of the Potomac River. It took twelve years to build and was only wide enough for single lane traffic.