• Historic Shot of Canal Boat on the Canal

    Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

    National Historical Park DC,MD,WV

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  • Paw Paw Tunnel Towpath Open

    The rockslide at Paw Paw Tunnel towpath has been cleared. The towpath is now open for hikers and bikers.

  • Georgetown Boat Rides Suspended

    Boat rides at Georgetown are suspended until further notice. For a mule-drawn boat ride please contact Great Falls Tavern.

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 of park rangers interpreting building the canal.

Canal historians estimate approximately 35,000 laborers helped dig the canal as well as build aqueducts, culverts, locks, lock houses, etc.  It took 22 years to build the canal from Georgetown, DC to Cumberland, MD.  Much of the workforce were immigrants from Ireland and western Europe.