• Historic Shot of Canal Boat on the Canal

    Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

    National Historical Park DC,MD,WV

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  • Boat Rides at Great Falls

    Due to fluctuating water conditions, we cannot guarantee each ride scheduled. Please call 301-767-3714 to confirm the schedule for the day. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

  • Towpath at Big Slackwater OPEN

    As of September 22, 2012 the towpath is now open in the area known as Big Slackwater (Mile 85.8-88.9). The road detour no longer needs to be used. Towpath access at McMahons Mill (mile 88.1) is still closed until further notice.

Contact Us

By Mail
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park Headquarters Office
1850 Dual Highway, Suite 100
Hagerstown, MD 21740-6620

By Phone
Park Headquarters 301-739-4200
Georgetown Visitor Center 202-653-5190
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center 301-767-3714
Brunswick Visitor Center 301-834-7100
Williamsport Visitor Center 301-582-0813
Hancock Visitor Center 301-745-5877
Cumberland Visitor Center 301-722-8226

By Email

C&O Canal NHP Headquaters

Click Here to Report a Safety Hazard along the C&O Canal

By Fax
301-739-5275

Did You Know?

Photo C&O Canal mules in 2004.

A mule is a hybrid animal, a mix of a female horse (a mare) and a male donkey (a jack).  Remember, "M" for mom, "M" for mare and "D" for dad, "D" for donkey. Switching the parents will produce a hinny.  The mule is the superior work animal, preferred by canal boat captains on the C&O Canal.