• 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.

Floods

Photo of flood of January 1996 at lockhouse six

The C&O Canal has been damaged by many floods over the years.

NPS Photo

The C&O Canal parallels the Potomac River; therefore it has always been susceptible to flooding. Devastation from floods eventually put the canal out of business as a commercial operation.

Flood information

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.