• Historic Shot of Canal Boat on the Canal

    Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

    National Historical Park DC,MD,WV

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • 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.

Interpretive Ranger Programs

Photo of Ada the mule during a mule program.

"Meet the Mules" is just one of the many programs offered by C&O Canal Rangers. 

NPS Photo.

Each year the C&O Canal National Historical Park offers a variety of ranger-led programs and visitor activities throughout the park. Please review the following information for a summary of activities and programs by park location.

Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
301-767-3714

· Canal Boat Rides
Canal boat rides are offered spring, summer and fall months only. Contact the Great Falls Visitor Center for additional information.

· Ranger or Volunteer led Hikes, Bikes, Walks
Join a Park Ranger or Volunteer to explore the Great Falls area in greater depth. Topics include geology, mining, history, and the Great Falls itself. Length varies from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. Inquire at the visitor center for more information.

· Rileys Lockhouse
Join volunteers in period costume for a guided tour of one of the C&O Canal's original lockhouses and explore the life of a lock-keeper in greater detail. Open most weekends in the spring and fall. For more information please contact the park's Great Falls Visitor Center at 301-767-3714.

Lander Lockhouse Open House
Open Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. mid-April to early October. Closed during Winter Months.

Williamsport Visitor Center
301-582-0813

· Lockhouse 44
Learn about lock keepers and participate in a lock demonstration. Hours vary. Memorial to Labor Day. Inquire at the visitor center for more information. Call 301-582-0813 for more information.

Paw Paw Tunnel Tours
Meet a Ranger at the entrance to the single largest structure along the C&O Canal to learn more about how and why the tunnel was built. For those planning to hike through the tunnel, a flashlight and comfortable shoes are recommended. The tunnel entrance is one half mile from the visitor parking area. Located 25 miiles south of Cumberland, MD off MD Rt. 51 South. For more information call 301 -722-8226. Summer months only

  • Private canal boat rides. Private canal boat rides.

    Can I rent a canal boat for special events? Read More

Did You Know?

Photo Maryland Gold Mine.

There are several gold mines in the Great Falls area.  The largest of these is the Maryland Mine located at the intersection of Falls Road and MacArthur Boulevard near Potomac, Maryland.  Gold was first discovered here by a Union soldier from Pennsylvania during the Civil War.