• 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.

Park Maps

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is an exciting park to visit. There are 184.5 miles of towpath and numerous miles of hiking trails to explore.

For more information, please click on the map of your choice.

 

Map of C&O Canal

 
Map of Palisades District (Georgetown to Swains Lock)
 
Great Falls Hiking Trails
 
Great Falls Hiking Trail Descriptions

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.