NPS Photo/Jack Rottier 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. 2022 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)} Regulations within 36 CFR will be utilized to fulfill the statutory purposes of units of the National Park System: to conserve scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife, and to provide for the enjoyment of these resources in a manner that will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. {36 CFR l.l(b)} Within 36 CFR a Park Superintendent has the discretionary authority to establish a schedule of visiting hours, impose public use limits or designate closures, designate areas for a specific use or activity, impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity, and terminate these actions. {36 CFR 1.5 (a)(l-3)} The Superintendent is required to compile in writing all the designations, closures, permit requirements and other restrictions imposed under discretionary authority. {36 CFR 1.7(b)} This document-frequently referenced as the Superintendent's Compendium-serves as the written determination justifying the implementation or termination of a restriction, condition, public use limit, or closure at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal NHP). {36 CFR 1.5(c)} All designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions are addressed below under the appropriate 36 CFR section number and heading where they are applicable. Violations of compendium restrictions are violations of 36 CFR and subject to penalties as stated in 36 CFR 1.3. 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, 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:Maryland gold mine enclosures, the interior of the Ford and the Round Top mines. Other park structures (e.g., barns, mills, maintenance yards, and houses) unless otherwise/elsewhere designated. The access road to and the area within ¼ mile of the Fours Locks firing range (Costlow property). The interior of Indigo, Stickpile, and Kessler tunnels associated with the former Western Maryland Railroad. Those park areas during emergency and construction events as declared by the superintendent and marked by closure signs. Lower side of the Inlet Lock in Cumberland, Maryland is closed to the public. The six former Western Maryland Railroad bridges over the Potomac River. The top of the structure known as the “Potomac Aqueduct,” “Old Aqueduct Bridge,” or “Alexandria Aqueduct,” located at the north end of Water Street, NW, Washington D.C. is closed to public access. 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:All park offices, maintenance facilities, and office complexes; Georgetown, Great Falls, Brunswick, Williamsport, Hancock, and Cumberland visitor centers; and the Abner Cloud House are closed to the public during non-business hours or when un-staffed. 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. All of Olmsted Island is closed to public use except for designated walkways, footbridges and overlooks, and a 25-foot wide area along the river shoreline on barren rock or sand necessary for boaters to portage or rest. Olmsted Island may not be used for access to the Potomac River. Visitors are restricted to the designated trails within the Gold Mine Tract in the Great Falls area. This location is generally defined as that area bordered by MacArthur Boulevard and Berma Road and depicted on the Great Falls Maryland Hiking Map found on the park website at: https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf Visitors are restricted to the designated trail known as the Billy Goat A Trail on Bear Island, which is depicted on the Great Falls Maryland Hiking Map found on the park website at: https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf The Billy Goat B Trail at Great Falls Maryland is closed for 2022 until an assessment and planning are completed due to significant erosion and resource impacts. 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 From Georgetown to Seneca, all parklands are closed at dark. Darkness is defined as one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. Exception to this is allowed for the permitted vehicle parking for those recreational users on multi-day trips on the towpath, Canal Quarters occupants, and the registered campers at the Marsden Tract Campground. 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. From Seneca to Cumberland, parking lots, picnic areas, and developed recreational sites are closed at dark. Darkness is defined as one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. 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. The towpath, other foot trails and the Western Maryland Railroad trace are closed to all unauthorized motorized vehicles, and hoofed animal-drawn vehicles (except by special use permit). The towpath is closed to horseback riding after dark. Canine-drawn sleds/gigs are permitted on the towpath between November 1 and March 15 between Sycamore Landing (Mile 27.2) and Town Creek (Mile 162.2). Designated horse riding areas and requirements are included in section 2.16 below. 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. Sections of the Park may be closed with little or no notice when hazardous conditions occur, such as forecasted flooding, snow and ice accumulations, and other natural events. Justification – These closures are necessary to protect the public during high water events or other emergencies. Pets are prohibited on Olmsted Island, boardwalks, bridges, overlooks, section “A” of the Billy Goat Trail, and all of Bear Island except for the towpath. Bikes must be dismounted and walked in the pedestrian areas signed as such, in front of the Great Falls Tavern and all other designated areas. 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. Lock 34 access is a designated drop off only area. No parking is permitted. 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. Ice skating is permitted at your own risk park-wide, except at the Widewater area (Mile Post 12.6 - 13.4) and where prohibited by signage. Justification – Areas may be closed to protect park visitors, responders and resources. Golf Equipment – The Park is closed to the use of golf equipment including golf balls. 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. Model Aircraft, Rockets, Vessels, and Vehicles – All parklands, waterways, are closed to the use of model aircraft, rockets, vessels, vehicles, and similar motorized devices. 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. Unmanned Aircraft – Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent. Definition – The term “unmanned 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 – This 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 unmanned aircraft may disrupt the desired visitor experience and also 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. Geocaching games – The establishment of geocaches is allowed by permit only. 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. Pitching of Horseshoe – Is allowed at the designated area in the Carderock Picnic site. The remainder of the park is closed to this activity. 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. Firewood – The entire park is closed to the visitor transport or introduction of firewood that did not originate within or adjacent to the boundaries of the park. Justification – Exotic insect pests can be introduced through the visitor import of firewood into the park area. These pests can infest park native species. Swimming – The Canal prism and basins are closed to swimming. Justification – It is hazardous to swim, wade, or bathe in these waters. Roller skates and skateboards – The Capital Crescent Trail and the Western Maryland Rail Trail are designated for this recreational activity. Justification – These two multi-use trails have an asphalt surface and the activity is suitable to these areas. The use of an Electronic Nicotine Delivery System is prohibited in all buildings owned, leased or administered by the National Park Service. Justification – These devices may produce toxins that pose a risk to public health and safety in confined areas. Jumping or diving from the cliffs upstream of Dam #5 into the Potomac River is prohibited. 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. Tying objects to aqueducts, bridges or historic structures and jumping from or swinging by rope or other means from aqueducts, bridges, historic structures, or trees is prohibited. The tying of climbing ropes to trees is permitted in the Carderock Climbing Area. Hammock use is discussed elsewhere in this section. Justification – Tying objects to cultural resources can damage historic fabric, natural resources, and cause injury to persons. Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking Waters within the C&O Canal NHP are closed to all unauthorized motorized vessels, except electric motors may be used at Big Pool, Little Pool, Widewater, and in canal waters from Lock 68 to Town Creek Aqueduct. Canoes and kayaks are permitted in watered portions of the canal prism, Big Pool, Little Pool, and Widewater. Closures may be put in place at Great Falls between Lock 19 and Lock 21 and in Williamsport between Lockwood Road and the upstream end of the Conococheague Creek Aqueduct during periods of time when National Park Service mule drawn or electric boat programs are taking place. 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. COVID-19 Mitigation (Reference: Memorandum from Director, National Park Service, March 4, 2022 Updating Mask-Wearing Requirements) The CDC has provided county-level data showing the COVID-19 Community Level for each county in the United States. Parks must review and use this data to determine the COVID-19 Community Level for the park on a weekly basis and determine the mask-wearing requirements applicable for the upcoming week. Data Source for Community Level: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html
SECTION 1.6 – PERMITSThe following is a compilation of activities requiring special use permits or permitting instruments per 36 CFR 1.6 f:
Filming:The following types of filming activities may occur in areas open to the public without a permit and without advance notice to the NPS:
The organizer of any other type of filming activity must provide written notice to the superintendent at least 10 days prior to the start of the proposed activity. Based upon the information provided, the superintendent may require the organizer to apply for and obtain a permit if necessary to:
If the superintendent determines that the terms and conditions of a permit could not mitigate the concerns identified above in an acceptable manner, the superintendent may deny a filming request without issuing a permit. The superintendent will provide the basis for denial in writing upon request. The NPS will consider requests and process permit applications in a timely manner. Processing times will vary depending on the complexity of the proposed activity. If the organizer provides the required 10 day advance notice to the NPS and has not received a written response from the NPS that a permit is required prior to the first day of production, the proposed filming activities may occur without a permit. The following are prohibited:
Violating a term or condition of a permit issued under to this action may also result in the suspension and revocation of the permit by the superintendent.
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.govDRIVE-IN CAMPGROUNDS LOCATION (Mile)McCoys Ferry 110.4 WALK-IN CAMPGROUNDS LOCATION (Mile)Antietam Creek 69.7 GROUP CAMP SITE LOCATIONS LOCATION (Mile)Marsden Tract 11.0 First Come, First Served Hiker/Biker – Reservations not required.HIKER/BIKER CAMPSITE LOCATION (Mile)Swains Lock 16.6
SECTION 2.11 – PICNICKINGThe 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:
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:
(g) Conditions established by the superintendent:
SECTION 2.20 – SKATING, SKATEBOARDS, AND SIMILAR DEVICESRoller 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:
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 EVENTSPermits 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:
SECTION 2.51 – PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, MEETINGSA 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. SECTION 2.52 – SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF PRINTED MATTERA 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.
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
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.
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Last updated: March 22, 2023