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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical ParkPhoto of boy with five mules near Cumberland, MD circa 1920.
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Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Horseback Riding
Photo of horse used on trail rides in park.

NPS Photo

Horses and mules can be riden on  approximately 160 miles of the 184.5 miles of towpath. 

Horseback riding is a unique way to enjoy the canal. Groups must obtain approval in writing for all club rides and trips lasting more than one day. Write to the park Superintendent, C&O Canal NHP, 1850 Dual Highway Suite 100, Hagerstown, MD 21740-6620. Include an itinerary with dates and locations.

Please follow these regulations:

Horseback riding is not allowed between Georgetown (mile 0) and Swains Lock (mile 16.6) or from Offutt Street (mile 181.8) to the canal terminus (mile 184.5). Horses are not allowed in the Paw Paw Tunnel. Riders must take the tunnel hill trail that goes over the tunnel instead.

Riders may not exceed the speed of a slow trot.

Riders must dismount and walk their horses across aqueducts. Horses may not cross wooden footbridges, which are not designed to carry their weight.

Trail riders are responsible for hauling manure away. No grazing is permitted in the park. Bring in feed for horses. Do not water, clean, or tether horses near park wells. Hikers and bikers must yield the right of way on the towpath to horses. Access from private property is prohibited. Horses are not allowed in drive-in campgrounds, picnic areas, or adjacent parking lots. Riders may camp at hiker-biker campgrounds but must tether horses at least 50 feet from the area's boundaries for sanitary and safety reasons. Owners must prevent horses from damaging trees or undergrowth.
Photo of park rangers interpreting building the canal.  

Did You Know?
Canal historians estimate approximately 35,000 laborers helped dig the canal as well as build aqueducts, culverts, locks, lock houses, etc. It took 22 years to build the canal from Georgetown, DC to Cumberland, MD. Much of the workforce were immigrants from Ireland and western Europe.

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Last Updated: July 30, 2006 at 16:48 EST