Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural and recreational treasures!
184.5 Miles of Adventure!
![Mule-drivers walk with the mules on the towpath while pulling a replica passenger canal boat.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161227023036im_/https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/grid_builder/ncr/crop16_9/91711204-1DD8-B71B-0B51B4A0B3E77AFE.jpg?width=465&quality=90&mode=crop)
Public Boat Rides
Seasonal boat rides are offered at Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center and at the Williamsport Visitor Center.
![Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center in autumn reflecting in the watered canal.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161227023036im_/https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/grid_builder/ncr/crop16_9/C335B43B-1DD8-B71B-0B87C39694FD1ADB.jpg?width=465&quality=90&mode=crop)
Visitor Center Hours and Seasons
Seven visitor centers are spread over the 184.5 miles of the C&O Canal. Each has separate hours and seasons.
![Great Falls of the Potomac on a misty day.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161227023036im_/https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/grid_builder/ncr/crop16_9/C4FD5693-1DD8-B71B-0B7891D61187D5DD.jpg?width=307&quality=90&mode=crop)
Fees and Pass information
Entrance fees are collected at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center entrance of the canal.
Hiking and Biking at the C&O Canal
The Canal towpath offers 184.5 miles of biking and hiking. Hiking trails are also found at Great Falls and Paw Paw.
![Sign at Hiker-Biker Campsite identifying next nearest site.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161227023036im_/https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/grid_builder/ncr/crop16_9/C534A970-1DD8-B71B-0B727DF311250AAE.jpg?width=307&quality=90&mode=crop)
Camping Information
Hiker-Biker and Drive-In Campsites are available every few miles up and down the canal and are open year round.
![A historic image of a cargo canal boat getting loaded with coal in Williamsport](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161227023036im_/https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/grid_builder/ncr/crop16_9/C65170BE-1DD8-B71B-0BB17C28095DD27F.jpg?width=307&quality=90&mode=crop)
History of Park People and Places
Discover the fascinating People, Places, Stories and Collections that compose the C&O Canal's unique history
![Musician performing under tent with audience at Canal Days.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161227023036im_/https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/grid_builder/ncr/crop16_9/C69008D2-1DD8-B71B-0BC7EA3F83D75159.jpg?width=307&quality=90&mode=crop)
Schedule of Events
Throughout the year celebrations, activities, and presentations are scheduled along the 184.5 miles of the C&O Canal.
Education opportunities
Information on Field Trips, Curriculum Materials, Professional Development, Canal Classroom Corps, Partnerships