184.5 Miles of Adventure!
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!
Features
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Ferry Hill Place Commemoration
Join us Saturday, May 19, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War along the C&O Canal!
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Curriculum-based Education Programs
Ranger guided programs offer opportunities for students to explore the natural and historical features of the canal from Georgetown to Cumberland!
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Discover Spring Along the Towpath
Patches of bluebells and budding green trees splash color along the towpath, as the C&O Canal welcomes signs of spring in full bloom!
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Did You Know?
Most freight boats on the C&O Canal were approximately 95 feet long and 14.5 feet wide while most locks were 100 feet long and 15 feet wide. This left boat captains little margin for error as they steered their boats into the locks, trying to avoid the $5.00 fine for damaging lock masonry.