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Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical ParkPhoto of interpretive rangers at Great Falls.
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Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Schedule Of Events
 

Great Falls

 

Billy Goat Trail Geology Hikes

Join National Park Service Volunteers for an exciting and educational geology hike of the Billy Goat Trail.

 
Please note:
Two of the hikes are scheduled for Fridays, while the remainder are on Saturdays.
The hikes on Nov 15 and Dec 13 will be shortened and will not be on the Billy Goat Trail, but will go from the Falls overlook to the Gorge. 
  
Sat July 12 10:00-12:00  
 
Sat August 9 10:00-12:00  
 
FRI Sept 5 12:30-4:30

  
FRI October 24 12:30-4:30 
 
Sat November 15 1:00-3:00  
 
Sat December 13 1:00-3:00  
 

 

Sights and Sounds of the Season

First and Last Wednesdays and Saturdays of every month: 10:00 to 12:00.

Explore the seasonal changes to the plants and animals of the Great Falls of the Potomac.  Join a team of park volunteers as they lead nature hikes along portions of the trails in the Great Falls Tavern area.

 

Wednesday through Sunday at Great Falls (Spring, summer, and fall months only).

Canal Boat Rides

Join park ranger for mule drawn canal boat rides.  Contact the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center at 301-767-3714 for additional information and other programs.

 

Georgetown

 

Canal boat rides and ranger lead tours are offered during the spring, summer, and fall.  Please call the Georgetown Visitor Center for more information at 202-653-5190.

 

Brunswick

Visitor Center 301-834-7100.

Open Friday, 10am-2 PM., Saturday 10 am -4 PM., Sunday 12 pm-4 PM.  Inter-agency visitor center with the Brunswick Railroad museum.  Park information, orientation, and exhibits on the canal.

 

Williamsport Sub-District Interpretive Winter Programs

Open year round, visitor center can be reached at 301-582-0813.  Self-guided walking tours available of historic structures nearby including aqueduct and lockhouse.

Museum, orientation, exhibits, and information are available in the visitor center.

Hancock

Museum, exhibits, and information available the summer of 2008.  Please call 301-678-5463 for more information.

Cumberland Area Programs for Winter 2007-2008.

Open year round.  Visitor center can be reached at 301-722-8226.  9 am-5 PM. 

Museum, exhibits, orientation and information house in historic 1913 Western Maryland Railway Station.  Inter-agency visitor center provides information on park and Allegany County tourist information. 

Historic photo of C&O canal boat circa 1910.
Public canal boat rides.
Take a trip back in time!
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Photo of Nell the mule
Meet The Mules
The mules which pull the canal boats at Georgetown and Great Falls are the favorite park employees.
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Photo Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center.
Visitor Center location and hours.
Where can you gain more knowledge about the C&O Canal?
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Photo C&O Canal mules in 2004.  

Did You Know?
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.

Last Updated: June 18, 2008 at 10:17 EST