• 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.

Directions

Visitors to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park enjoy a variety of history, nature, and recreation. Six visitor centers and one contact station are available to serve the needs of the public. Please contact them to learn about park programs, ask questions, and request information.

Park Maps are also available to help you plan your visit.

 
Georgetown Visitor Center
1057 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 (202-653-5190). For more information click on photo.
 
Great Falls Tavern Center with dogwood tree in bloom.
The Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center is located at 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854 (301-767-3714).  For more information, click on photo.
 
Brunswick VC 2
The Brunswick Visitor Center is located at 40 West Potomac Street Brunswick, MD 21716 (301-834-7100). For more information, click on photo.
Historical Photo
 
Ferry Hill
Ferry Hill Place is located at 16500 Sharspburg Pike, MD.  Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For more information, click on photo.


 
Photo Williamsport Visitor Center located at Cushwa Basin
The Williamsport Visitor Center is located at the Cushwa Basin, 205 W. Potomac St., Williamsport, MD 21795 (301-582-0813).  For more information, click on photo.
An NPS Photo
 
Bowleshancock edit for web
The Hancock Visitor Center is located in the historic Bowles House near lock 52 on the canal.  The address is 439 East Main Street, Hancock, MD 21750
(301-745-5877).  For more information, click on photo.
An NPS Photo
 
Photo Cumberland Visitor Center located in the Western Maryland Railway Building
The Cumberland Visitor Center is located in the Western Maryland Railway Station, Room 304, 13 Canal St., Cumberland, MD 21502 (301-722-8226). For more information, click on photo.
An NPS Photo

Did You Know?

Drawing DaVinci's lock gate design 1485.

Transporting goods and people by canal dates back to antiquity.  The lock gates used on the C&O Canal were an adaptation of a design by Leonardo DaVinci in the late 1400's.  Until the advent of the railroad, water travel was far superior to land travel.