NPS Photo

Photo of Cushwa's Coal and Brick warehouse along the Cushwa's Basin in Williamsport.

The Williamsport Visitor Center is located at 205 W. Potomac St., Williamsport, MD 21795 (phone 301-582-0813). Williamsport and the surrounding area has a fascinating history. Situated at the confluence of the Conocheaghe Creek and the Potomac River, Williamsport was first settled in 1740. In 1790 George Washington considered it for the capital city of the United States but rejected Williamsport because of the inability of large ships to navigate the Potomac to this point. Close by is Falling Waters where the Confederate Army made its escape across the rain-swollen Potomac after the Battle of Gettysburg. Williamsport is the only place on the canal where examples of major canal structures can be viewed within a half-mile stretch. Lock 44, a lockhouse, a re-watered section of the canal, the Cushwa turning basin and the Conococheague Aqueduct are all located in this part of the park. One of the only Bollman Iron Truss Bridges still in existence today crosses the canal at Williamsport. The National Park's Visitor Center is located in the old Cushwa Warehouse and is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 AM to 4:30PM (301-582-0813). Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.

Directions:

From the East: Take I-270 north to 70 west to Hagerstown. Take I-81 north and south exit. (Take exit 26 toward Harrisburg/Roanoke). Merge onto I-81 south toward Roanoke. From I-81 take exit 2 and merge onto Potomac Street/US 11 south. Follow straight to visitor center at bottom of hill, (approximately 1.4 miles).

From the West: Take 68 east to I-70 east/US 40 east/ US-522 South exit, (exit 82AB toward Hagerstown). Merge onto I-70 east via exit 82 B toward Hagerstown. From 70 east take exit 24 and merge onto MD-63/Williamsport Pike. Travel two miles to Williamsport. Turn right onto US-11/MD 63/East Potomac Street. Follow to visitor Center.

From Martinsburg, WV, heading North: Take I-81 north and cross the Potomac River bridge. Take exit 1, Route 68-Williamsport immediately after crossing the bridge. Make a left onto Route 68, through three stoplights to junction with Route 11.  Turn left onto Route 11/Potomac Street. Follow Potomac Street to visitor center. 

From Harrisburg, PA, heading South: Take I-81 south. Take exit 2, Route 11-Williamsport. Route 11 is also Potomac Street. Follow Potomac Street to visitor center in Williamsport. 

Visitor Centers

| Brunswick | Cumberland | Georgetown | Great Falls Tavern | Hancock | Williamsport |