• 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.

Fees & Reservations

Carderock Pavilion Reservations

A permit is required April to October to rent the facilities
Friday through Sunday, and Holidays is $250
Monday through Thursday is $150
For reservations call 301-767-3731
For more information click here

National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program

Entrance Fees and Park Passes

Entrance fees are only collected at the Great Falls Entrance Station. 100% of the fees collected are returned to the park for specific projects. All other access to the park is free.

America the Beautiful Passes, Senior Passes, and Annual Passes may only be purchased at the Great Falls Entrance Station.

Three Day Pass

$5 - per private, non-commercial vehicle (include motorcycles, passenger cars, pickup trucks, RV's and vans).

$3 - per person 16 years of age or older when entering on foot or bicycle

Park passes are valid for the date of purchase plus two days at Great Falls Park, Virginia and the Great Falls area of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park on the Maryland side of the Potomac River.

Annual Pass

$20 - Valid for one full year from the month of purchase. Permits access to Great Falls Park, Virginia and the Great Falls area of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. The annual pass allows entrance for the pass holder and additional passengers in a single private non-commercial vehicle, or pass holder plus three adults when entering on foot or bicycle.

Commercial Tour

$25 - 1-6 passenger capacity
$40 - 7- 25 passenger capacity
$100 - 26+ passenger capacity vehicle

Non-profit groups (Scouts, church, clubs...)
Vehicles with a passenger capacity of 16 or more persons, $3 per person age 16 and over or commercial rate whichever is cheaper.

Vehicles with passenger capacity of fewer than 16 persons, $5 for the vehicle or commercial rate whichever is cheaper.

The commercial pass is valid for date of purchase plus two days. Please note that fees are based on vehicle capacity and not actual occupants.

Did You Know?

Photo Potowmack Company canal lock at Great Falls Virginia.

George Washington's dream of connecting the eastern states with the western frontier led to the creation of the Patowmack Company.  Canals were built around unnavigable parts of the Potomac River for improved commerce.  The C&O Canal inherited the right of way after the Patowmack Company's demise.