• 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.

Directions

Visitors to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park enjoy a variety of history, nature, and recreation. Six visitor centers and one contact station are available to serve the needs of the public. Please contact them to learn about park programs, ask questions, and request information.

Park Maps are also available to help you plan your visit.

 
Georgetown Visitor Center
1057 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 (202-653-5190). For more information click on photo.
 
Great Falls Tavern Center with dogwood tree in bloom.
The Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center is located at 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854 (301-767-3714).  For more information, click on photo.
 
Brunswick VC 2
The Brunswick Visitor Center is located at 40 West Potomac Street Brunswick, MD 21716 (301-834-7100). For more information, click on photo.
Historical Photo
 
Ferry Hill
Ferry Hill Place is located at 16500 Sharspburg Pike, MD.  Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For more information, click on photo.


 
Photo Williamsport Visitor Center located at Cushwa Basin
The Williamsport Visitor Center is located at the Cushwa Basin, 205 W. Potomac St., Williamsport, MD 21795 (301-582-0813).  For more information, click on photo.
An NPS Photo
 
Bowleshancock edit for web
The Hancock Visitor Center is located in the historic Bowles House near lock 52 on the canal.  The address is 439 East Main Street, Hancock, MD 21750
(301-745-5877).  For more information, click on photo.
An NPS Photo
 
Photo Cumberland Visitor Center located in the Western Maryland Railway Building
The Cumberland Visitor Center is located in the Western Maryland Railway Station, Room 100, 13 Canal St., Cumberland, MD 21502 (301-722-8226). For more information, click on photo.
An NPS Photo

Did You Know?

Photo Potowmack Company canal lock at Great Falls Virginia.

George Washington's dream of connecting the eastern states with the western frontier led to the creation of the Patowmack Company.  Canals were built around unnavigable parts of the Potomac River for improved commerce.  The C&O Canal inherited the right of way after the Patowmack Company's demise.