The Superintendent's Compendium (PDF) discusses the closures, request requirements, and restrictions delegated by the park’s Superintendent. Information on permits, natural resources, boat ramp access campsite locations, animal restrictions, and other important rules about park use are in this document. 2023 Superintendent’s CompendiumRecommended:
PurposeTitle 54 of the United States Code National Park Service and Related Programs authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish regulations for the National Park System as described in sections 100101, 100751, and 320102. These regulations are promulgated in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parks, Forests, and Public Property. Chapter 1 of 36 CFR, National Park Service, Department o fthe interior, has been established to provide for the proper use, management, government, and protection of persons, property, and natural and cultural resources under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service (NPS). {36 CFR l.l(a)} Public Notice and InformationAll designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions in this compendium will be made available to the public by at least one other method of notification. Methods may include maps, signs, publication, handouts, and/or park web site. {36 CFR 1.7(a)} Park PurposeThe below public use limits and determinations are established to support the park’s enabling legislation and Park Purpose. In order to preserve and interpret the historic and scenic features of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and to develop the potential of the canal for public recreation, including such restoration as may be needed, there is hereby established the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park . . . SECTION 1.5 – CLOSURES & PUBLIC USE LIMITSThe following areas are closed or restricted as indicated below. Additional locations may be closed or restricted (between annual revisions of the document) by the posting of appropriate signs or other methods of notification. Justifications apply to the restrictions or actions listed in the compendium section just above it. Areas closed to visitation at the C&O Canal NHP:
Justification – These areas are closed to visitation for security, visitor safety, and protection of park resources. Areas and activities with public use limits or permitted uses:
Justification – The security and accountability of government property can best be protected by limiting access to these areas to government employees and/or business hours.
Justification – Public safety can be compromised by allowing visitors to enter areas that are not clearly identified as trails. These closures also protect plant and animal species and the natural environment of the island or woodlands, which contains many species of special concern. Trash and debris often left on the islands or woodlands is aesthetically unpleasant. The Bear Island and Potomac Gorge areas are locations for numerous search and rescue and emergency medical services incidents annually. Restricting visitors to designated trails provides more direct response by emergency providers to known locations and access points along the rugged trails. Trail descriptions for the Great Falls Maryland area can be found on the park website at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/GreatFallsHikingTrailsMap_BGBClosed-Descriptions.pdf
Justification – For public safety and resource protection concerns, the park area between Georgetown and Seneca is closed at dark. Allowance has been made to accommodate the vehicles of those park users participating in authorized recreational activities.
Justification – For public safety and resource protection concerns, the developed park areas from Seneca to Cumberland are closed at dark. Allowance has been made to accommodate the vehicles of those park users participating in authorized recreational activities.
Justification – The use of horses and pack animals can be detrimental to natural resources such as plant and animal communities. 36 CFR 2.16 (c) prohibits the use of horses and pack animals on park roads (paved public highways) outside of designated areas, except where such travel is necessary to cross to or from designated trails or areas. The riding of horses after dark is prohibited for public safety.
Justification – These closures are necessary to protect the public during high water events or other emergencies. Closure notices are generally posted on social media and the park’s Alerts/Current Park Conditions page at https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Justification – Due to the popular use, often crowded conditions, narrow passage or terrain in these areas, pets are prohibited and bikes must be walked for public safety.
Justification – During the summer months, use of this area exceeds its physical capabilities. The overuse creates hazardous conditions in traffic and pedestrian movements on Harpers Ferry Road. This limitation reduces vehicular traffic in the area by allowing authorized commercial users and the general public an area to unload passengers going to the river.
Justification – Areas may be closed to protect park visitors, responders and resources.
Justification – Although the park has a multi-use mission, not all recreational uses are compatible. The use of golf equipment, specifically using open areas in the park for driving golf balls produces several problems. Lost golf balls produce litter in the natural environment. Driven balls fly a great distance, so one person may, by virtue of the potential injury from being struck, exclude other visitors from the use of an entire open field area.
Justification – Model aircraft are usually propelled by small, gasoline-driven engines. They are usually remote controlled by the operator who does not have complete control over the craft due to winds or operator error. There is potential for injury to bystanders, visitors, wildlife, and vegetation from being struck by a fast moving aircraft. The use of aircraft may exclude other visitors from the use of an entire open field area. The small engines are noisy and produce exhaust into the air, which affects the quality visit of park visitors. The wildlife is often disturbed due to the noise associated with these devices. Model rockets are usually propelled by small, chemical-driven engines. They are usually not controlled by the operator. There is potential for injury to bystanders, visitors, wildlife, and vegetation from being struck by a fast moving rocket. The use of rockets may exclude other visitors from the use of an entire open field area. The small engines are noisy and produce exhaust into the air, which affects the quality visit of other park visitors. The wildlife is often disturbed due to the noise associated with these devices. Model vessels are usually propelled by small, gasoline- and oil-driven engines. They are usually remote-controlled, but the operator does not have complete control over the craft due to currents or operator error. The small engines are noisy and leave gasoline and oil residue in the water, which affects the quality visit of other park visitors. The wildlife is often disturbed due to the noise associated with these devices. Model vehicles tend to need a lot of open space, such as a parking lot, to operate. Usage in a parking lot presents a safety hazard to bystanders and traffic alike. There are no acceptable locations in the park for a visitor to use a remote-controlled vehicle in an enjoyable and safe manner. The wildlife can be disturbed due to the noise and movement associated with these devices.
Definition – The term “uncrewed aircraft” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. Justification – TThis activity closure is necessary to safeguard the requirement of the park’s enabling legislation to preserve and interpret the historic and scenic features of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. When not administered by a permit, the use of uncrewed aircraft may disrupt the desired visitor experience and potentially damage cultural resources. This activity when not covered by a permit may interfere with visitor interpretive programs such as the canal boat tour, the curriculum-based education programs for students, and the existing recreational activities. Through permitting, this use can be approved and managed to protect park resources and the visitor experience. There are several executive orders and policy documents governing UAS use on National Park Service lands and applications will be reviewed to ensure compliance with all requirements. Additional information can be found at https://www.nps.gov/orgs/aviationprogram/upload/unmanned-aircraft-in-national-parks.pdf
Justification – Geocaches typically are hidden in natural areas or archeological sites. The object of this game is to locate well-hidden caches that may be buried. This game encourages participants to move off trail that leads to vegetative damage and erosion problems. Digging disturbs park resources and damages archeological sites. This activity can be alarming to bystanders who misidentify the individuals when they observe participants hiding or acting in a suspicious manner to avoid detection. Organizers of this type of activity are known to hold events in the park without prior approval or any attempt to obtain a Special Use Permit.
Justification – This activity causes damage to the vegetative and soil resources of the park. This activity is confined to those areas developed areas designated for this activity.
Justification – Exotic insect pests can be introduced through the visitor import of firewood into the park area. These pests can infest park native species.
Justification – It is hazardous to swim, wade, or bathe in these waters. Park trails, boat ramps, roadways, and parking areas must remain open for visitor access.
Justification – These two multi-use trails have an asphalt surface, and the activity is suitable to these areas.
Justification – These devices may produce toxins that pose a risk to public health and safety in confined areas.
Justification – Numerous serious injuries have been documented from individuals jumping from these cliffs into the Potomac River. Access to the area by emergency vehicles is limited.
Justification – Tying objects to cultural resources can damage historic fabric and natural resources and cause injury to persons. Jumping from aqueducts and bridges can cause injury to persons and obstruct narrow passageways required for through traffic.
Justification – The identified areas normally contain sufficient water to use an electric motor. The identified areas normally contain sufficient water for canoe and kayak use. Temporary closures may be required to avoid conflicts with interpretive/educational programs. SECTION 1.6 – PERMITSThe following is a compilation of activities requiring special use permits or permitting instruments per 36 CFR 1.6 f. Questions on permitting can be directed to the park’s permit coordinator at copermitsoffice@nps.gov and more information can be found at this link https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm.
SECTION 2.1 - PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL, & ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES(a)(4) Dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the immediate vicinity of designated picnic and camping areas, as permitted by 36 CFR 2.13 and this compendium, and may not be removed from the Park. (c)(1) Edible fruits, nuts, berries, and mushrooms may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption. Commercial use is prohibited. Removal of fruits, nuts, berries, and mushrooms cannot disturb the remainder of the plant. Possession of plant fruits, nuts, berries, and mushrooms are limited to the following quantities:
SECTION 2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTIONHunters can transport legally taken, properly tagged, and identified wildlife and waterfowl across C&O Canal NHP property. (e) C&O Canal NHP is closed to viewing of wildlife with the use of artificial light. SECTION 2.4 - WEAPONS, TRAPS AND NETS(d)(4) Hunters, during designated state hunting seasons, with traditional bows unstrung, compound bows with arrows un-nocked, and dogs leashed, may cross C&O Canal NHP lands. SECTION 2.10 - CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE(a) The following areas are designated as campgrounds or campsites: Reservation Only - Reservations must be made through www.recreation.gov
First Come, First Served Hiker/Biker – Reservations not required.
|
HIKER/BIKER CAMPSITE
|
LOCATION (Mile) |
---|---|
Swains Lock | 16.6 |
Horsepen Branch | 26.1 |
Chisel Branch | 30.5 |
Turtle Run | 34.4 |
Marble Quarry | 38.2 |
Indian Flats | 42.5 |
Calico Rocks | 47.6 |
Bald Eagle Island | 50.3 |
Huckleberry Hill | 62.9 |
Killiansburg Cave | 75.2 |
Horseshoe Bend | 79.2 |
Big Woods | 82.7 |
Opequon Junction | 90.9 |
Cumberland Valley | 95.2 |
Jordan Junction | 101.2 |
North Mountain | 110.0 |
Licking Creek | 116.0 |
Little Pool | 120.6 |
White Rock | 126.4 |
Leopards Mill | 129.9 |
Cacapon Junction | 133.6 |
Indigo Neck | 139.2 |
Devils Alley | 144.5 |
Stickpile Hill | 149.4 |
Sorrel Ridge | 154.1 |
Purslane Run | 156.9 |
Town Creek | 162.1 |
Potomac Forks | 164.8 |
Pigmans Ferry | 169.1 |
Irons Mountain | 175.3 |
Evitts Creek | 180.1 |
- Camping or overnight use with vehicles and trailers is permitted only at the following locations and reservations must be made through recreation.gov.
- McCoys Ferry Drive-in Campground
- Fifteenmile Creek Drive-in Campground
- Spring Gap Drive-in Campground
- Power mowers and chainsaws are not permitted to be operated in any campgrounds.
- Generators may not be operated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
- Maximum trailer length in drive-in campgrounds is 20 feet.
- Camping at drive-in and walk-in reservation only campgrounds, including group campsites, is limited to 14 days between May 1 and October 1 and may not exceed 30 days in a calendar year.
- Check-in time at all drive-in and walk-in campsites is 1:00 p.m. EST and check -out time is 12:00 p.m. EST.
- Camping at hiker/biker sites is limited to one night.
- Overnight use of the buildings designated in the Canal Quarters program is allowed through the established reservation system operated by the Canal Trust.
- The use of hammocks at the C&O Canal NHP is permitted at designated hiker-biker campsites and within campgrounds where reservations are required. If attaching to trees, hammocks must have straps that are at least one inch wide. Plastic zip cords, nails or screws are not permitted for the purpose of anchoring a hammock. Trees with a diameter of 8 inches are recommended. Hammock use in other public use areas is subject to these requirements; however, overnight camping is not permitted in areas not designated as a campground or hiker/biker campsite
SECTION 2.11 – PICNICKING
The use of portable engines, chainsaws, generators, and power mowers is prohibited in picnic areas.
SECTION 2.13 – FIRES
(a)(1) Fires are permitted ONLY in the following areas:
- Designated picnic areas within the park provided grill or fire ring.
- Designated camping areas within the park provided fire ring.
- Canal Quarters areas within the park provided fire ring.
- Personal, self-contained portable grills/stoves may be used off the ground and away from overhanging vegetation.
SECTION 2.15 – PETS
(a)(5) Visitors with pets in the park are required to pick up and dispose of their pet's excrement by carrying it out of the park. Pets are prohibited on Bear and Olmsted Islands, section “A” of the Billy Goat Trail, boardwalks, bridges, and overlooks. (See section 1.5 descriptions)
(e) Pets are prohibited in government buildings including the buildings utilized by the public in the Canal Quarters program. Service animals are excepted.
SECTION 2.16 – HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS
(b) The following trails, routes or areas are designated for the use of horses:
- The C&O Canal Towpath from Swains Lock (Mile 16.6) to the Offutt Street crossing at Candoc (Mile 181.8) in Cumberland
- The Tunnel Hill Trail over the top of Paw Paw
- River access points (boat ramps) for watering
- Parking lots for loading/unloading from a trailer
(g) Conditions established by the superintendent:
- Horses are not allowed in the Paw Paw Tunnel, park drive-in and walk-in campsites, or picnic areas.
- All manure must be removed from the park.
- Riders must dismount and walk their horses across the aqueducts. Horses are restricted from crossing narrow wooden footbridges as they are not designed to carry the concentrated weight of the horses.
- Horses/riders are not to exceed the speed of a slow trot.
- Water by use of a bucket or other container, may be taken from park hand pump wells and used for watering horses.
- Horses may be loaded/unloaded and enter/exit the towpath at public access points only. Access from private property is prohibited.
- Horseback riding is prohibited after dark.
- Check park website alerts for areas closed to horse use for a period of time following towpath resurfacing.
SECTION 2.20 – SKATING, SKATEBOARDS, AND SIMILAR DEVICES
Roller skates, roller blades, and similar devices are allowed only on the Capital Crescent Trail and the Western Maryland Rail Trail.
SECTION 2.21 – SMOKING
(a) The use of any lighted tobacco products within the boundaries of C&O Canal NHP shall be in accordance with the Directors Order 50D dated 06/29/2009, entitled "Smoking Policy."
SECTION 2.22 – PROPERTY
(a)(2) Visitors on multi-day trips are permitted to leave vehicles unattended for the period of their park trip.
SECTION 2.23 – RECREATION FEES
(a) Areas where recreation fees are established:
- Carderock Pavilion (Recreation Fee)
- Great Falls, Maryland (Entrance Fee)
- Marsden Tract Group Campsite (Recreation Fee)
- Antietam Creek Campground (Recreation Fee)
- McCoys Ferry Campground (Recreation Fee)
- Fifteenmile Creek Campground (Recreation Fee)
- Fifteenmile Creek Group Campground (Recreation Fee)
- Paw Paw Tunnel Campground (Recreation Fee)
- Spring Gap Campground (Recreation Fee)
- Canal Quarters Program (Interpretive Fee)
- Georgetown Canal Boat trips (Interpretive Fee)
- Great Falls Canal Boat trips (Interpretive Fee)
SECTION 2.35 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
(a)(3)(i) The possession of open and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, or spirituous liquors within the C&O Canal NHP is prohibited except under a permit issued by the park superintendent. This does not apply to Canal Quarters (within the structure), leased structures and those being used as residences.
Justification – Pursuant to 36 CFR 2.35 (3)(I)(B), the park superintendent may close all or a portion of a public use area or facility to the consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been open, or whose seal is broken or the contents of which have been partially removed. Provided that such a closure may only be implemented following a determination made by the superintendent that incidents of aberrant behavior related to the consumption of alcoholic beverages are of such magnitude that diligent application of the authorities in this section and 1.5 and 2.34 of 36 CFR, over a reasonable time period, does not alleviate the problem. Since the mid-1980s, the park has restricted the use of alcoholic beverages in picnic areas, parking areas, boat ramps, campgrounds, Monocacy Aqueduct to Mile 42.5, Mile 106.8 to 107.4, Mile 87.6 to 88.6 and the shoreline and waters of Town Creek to deter alcohol related incidents. Furthermore, to coincide with local restrictions and regulations consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Washington D.C. and Montgomery County, and the towns of Brunswick, Williamsport, Hancock, and Cumberland. These restrictions have reduced the number of alcohol related incidents in some areas, but problems continue to exist. Restrictions posed in some areas have forced additional problems on unrestricted areas. The regulations and restrictions are not clear to the visiting public or those faced with enforcing them. A permit is now required from the park superintendent to possess and/or consume alcohol in the park to maintain consistency within the park and local adjoining jurisdictions, to further reduce the number of alcohol-related incidents, and to control the consumption of alcohol in the park.
SECTION 2.50 – SPECIAL EVENTS
Permits for special events, public assemblies, and for distribution of printed matter will be issued pursuant to standards established in Director’s Order 53 (Special Park Use Guidelines).
Permit Conditions:
- In addition to public assemblies/special events and meetings, gatherings, parades, demonstrations, or other public expressions of views are subject to the conditions of this regulation.
- A public assembly/special event may be canceled at the discretion of the superintendent when emergency or potentially hazardous conditions exist.
- All costs incurred by the park, as a result of a special event, will be recovered from the permit holder.
- Public assemblies/special events shall not interfere with normal public use or pedestrian flow.
- Public assemblies/special events shall not take place during hours of darkness, except by permit.
- Noise levels must not exceed the limits established in 36 CFR 2.12, Audio disturbances.
- The commercial sale of items, other than the printed matter approved for sale with a permit, is prohibited.
- The permit holder is responsible for cleaning the public assembly/special event area upon the completion of the event.
SECTION 2.51 – PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, MEETINGS
A permit issued by the superintendent may be required for public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views. Suggested locations to conduct these activities include Great Falls Tavern area, Monocacy Aqueduct, Brunswick, Williamsport (Cushwa), Little Tonoloway (Hancock), Fifteenmile Creek, Paw Paw Tunnel, North Branch, and Oldtown.
Other areas of the park are potentially available for these activities. The superintendent will consider requests for permits on a case-by-case basis in light of the criteria listed in 36 CFR 2.51(c). Applications may be submitted no earlier than one year before the request date of the permit.
*Permit conditions for park areas in Montgomery County, Maryland and the District of Columbia are found in 36 CFR 7.96g.
SECTION 2.52 – SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTER
A permit issued by the superintendent may be required for the sale or distribution of printed matter. Printed matter is defined as textual printed material such as books, pamphlets, magazines and leaflets whose primary purpose is the advocacy, definition, or explanation of a group’s or individual’s political, religious, scientific, or moral beliefs. Suggested locations for the distribution or sale of printed matter include Great Falls Tavern area, Monocacy Aqueduct, Brunswick, Williamsport (Cushwa), Little Tonoloway (Hancock), Fifteenmile Creek, Paw Paw Tunnel, North Branch, and Oldtown. All other areas of the park are potentially available for the sale or distribution of printed matter. The superintendent will consider requests for permits on a case-by-case basis in light of the criteria listed in 36 CFR 2.52 (c). Applications may be submitted no earlier than one year before the request date of the permit.
SECTION 3.8 – LAUNCH OR RECOVERY OF VESSELS
(a)(2) Designated sites to launch or recover vessels by trailer.
- Edwards Ferry
- Monocacy
- Nolands Ferry
- Point of Rocks
- Brunswick
- Lander
- Dargan
- Snyders Landing
- Taylor Landing
- Big Slackwater
- Four Locks
- McCoys Ferry
- Little Tonoloway
- Fifteenmile Creek
- Spring Gap
SECTION 3.16 – SWIMMING OR WADING IN PARK WATERS
(a)(1) Areas closed to swimming and wading
1. Areas designated in 36 CFR section 7.96 (e):
Wading to fish in the Potomac River is according to Maryland state law which in restricted areas requires the wearing of a U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device.
2. Waters of the canal prism and basins.
SECTION 4.21(b) – SPEED LIMITS
7. Lander Road
8. Brunswick Campground Road
9. Canal Road
25 mph from Antietam Campground to Harpers Ferry Road
10. Snyders Road
11. Taylors Landing Road
12. Dam #4 Road
13. Four Locks Road
14. Ankeney Road
15. McCoys
15 mph Campground
16. Berm Road
17. Town Creek Aqueduct Road
18. Deneen Road
SECTION 4.30 – BICYCLES
(a) Bicycle riding is permitted only on the towpath, Burma Road, Capital Crescent Trail, and the Western Maryland Rail Trail from Polly Pond to Little Orleans. Bicycles must be dismounted and walked across aqueducts and all foot bridges providing access to the Towpath. The maximum speed on designated routes within the park is 15 m.p.h.
(g)(2) The use of helmets is subject to the requirements of state, county and local regulations.
(i)(1) E-bikes are allowed in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited. The Superintendent has designated these areas open to electric bicycles:
- Trail areas where the e-bikes are allowed include the Towpath, Berma Road, and the Capital Crescent Trail (Pedaling required). The maximum speed on these routes within the park is 15 m.p.h.
- Public roads and parking areas used by motor vehicles.
-End-
Last updated: June 13, 2024