• 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.

Natural Features & Ecosystems

Variety is the key word when referring to the natural features of C&O Canal National Historical Park. While many National Historical Parks have been established to highlight a specific historical feature or event, visitors to the C&O Canal experience a wide diversity of ecosystems and biological communities. The power of the potomac river, diverse flora and fauna and ever-changing weather patterns affect this park and its ecosystems.

Did You Know?

Photo Monocacy Aqueduct along C&O Canal.

Aqueducts are water filled bridges. Aqueducts carried the canal and boat traffic over major waterways, like rivers.  Of the 11 aqueducts built along the canal, the Monocacy Aqueduct is the longest at 516 feet, its seven arches constructed mainly of stone quarried from nearby Sugarloaf Mountain.