-
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.
Georgetown Visitor Center
The new information desk at Georgetown is reminiscent of a canal boat. NPS Photo 1057 Thomas Jefferson Street, NW Washington, DC 20007 (202-653-5190). Open June -August. Established in 1751, Georgetown flourished as a tobacco port until the middle of the 19th century. Because of natural obstructions to transportation further up the Potomac River, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal began here its 184.5-mile journey to the reaches of Western Maryland. Explore the beautiful architecture, rich history and vibrant commercial life that Georgetown offers.
Directions: From Northern Virginia: Head north across Francis Scott Key Bridge into Georgetown. At the end of the bridge, turn right (east) onto M street. Follow M street to 30th street and turn right (south). The visitor center is halfway down the block on the right. Parking is available in parking garage just south of the canal on 30th street. Buses may park on K Street. By Metro: There are no metro stops in Georgetown. Georgetown shuttle buses are available from Foggy Bottom, Roslynn, and Du Pont Circle. For pedestrians, the closest metro stop is Foggy Bottom. From Foggy Bottom metro stop, make u-turn on pedestrian walkway to 24th street and turn right. Take 24th street to Pennsylvania Avenue and turn left. Take Pennsylvania Avenue to 30th Street and turn left. Park is half way down the block on the right. Allow 10-15 minutes for walking. (Approximately 10 blocks). From Maryland and Beltway: Take Route 355 (Wisconsin Avenue) south approximately 6 miles to K Street and Potomac River. Wisconsin Avenue will end at K Street. Turn left onto K Street and follow to Thomas Jefferson Avenue. Turn left onto Thomas Jefferson and the park is half way up the block on the right. Parking is available in parking garages on K Street and 30th street. Related Sites: www.dcheritage.org DC Heritage Tourism Coalition Visitor Centers | Brunswick | Cumberland | Georgetown | Great Falls Tavern | Hancock | Williamsport | |
Did You Know?
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.
Private canal boat rides.