Natural Features & Ecosystems

The C&O Canal stands out as a National Historical Park not only due to the history it preserves, but also due to the large amount of unique natural features contained within its boundaries. As visitors traverse the different areas of the Park, they have an opportunity to experience a wide diversity of ecosystems, natural communities, geologic formations, and waterways that the C&O Canal contains and protects.

 
  • Looking upriver at the Great Falls from Olmsted Island
    Geology & Paleontology

    Rocks exposed in the C&O Canal NHP range in age from about 200 million to over 1 billion years old.

  • Lowland forest
    Natural Communities

    C&O Canal borders the Potomac River, much of the forest that exists along the river's edge are in low-lying floodplains.

  • Widewater Panoramic View
    Scenic Vistas

    Along the 184.5 miles of towpath are countless vistas of natural scenic beauty, historic landscapes, and sites that are a blend of both.

 
View of the Potomac River
Potomac River

NPS Photo

Last updated: March 16, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

142 W. Potomac St.
Williamsport, MD 21795

Phone:

301-739-4200

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