• 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.

Our Staff & Offices

Photo of superintendant Kevin Brandt with Ellie the mule

The staff of the C&O Canal are dedicated to preserving and protecting the resources of the park and providing enjoyment and educational programs for our visitors.

NPS Photo

The C&O Canal follows the route of the Potomac River for 184.5 miles from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, MD. To manage the diverse resources of the canal, staff works out of multiple field offices in addition to the main headquarters within the park. For a list of visitor centers and contact information please click here.

Headquarters and management staff for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal NHP are located outside of the park in Hagerstown, Maryland. Staff and volunteers operate a visitor service area on the first floor. Information on park programs, history, park closures, brochures, etc. are available for the public.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Headquarters is located at 1850 Dual Highway, Suite 100 Hagerstown, MD 21740.

 
Photo of park headquarters in Hagerstown

Park headquaters is the behind the scenes building of the C&O Canal.

NPS Photo

Directions to C&O Canal Headquarters

From the east: Take I-70 west to exit 32b and head west on Rt. 40. Follow Rt. 40 for approximately 1/4 mile and turn right at the C&O Canal Park Headquarters sign.

From the west: Take I-70 east to exit 32b and head west on Rt. 40. Follow Rt. 40 for approximately 1/4 mile and turn right at the C&O Canal Park Headquarters sign.

Headquarters Phone: 301-739-4200

Did You Know?

Photo canal boat exiting lock 20.

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.