News Release

Three boat ramps will temporarily close this summer at C&O Canal

Date: July 18, 2023
Contact: Christiana Hanson, 301-491-6265

WILLIAMSPORT, Md.— This summer, the National Park Service (NPS) will close three boat-ramps at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park  to replace three vehicle bridges. The Edwards Ferry Boat Ramp (mile 30.8), Dargan Bend Recreation Area Boat Ramp (mile 64.9) and the Fifteen Mile Creek Campground Boat Ramp (mile 140.8) will close in phases starting July 2023 and depending on weather, could extend into the winter. The closures will not affect the towpath.  

Approximate timelines for the work at each site:  

• Edwards Ferry Boat Ramp – August to November 2023.  
• Dargan Bend Recreation Area – September to December 2023.  
• Fifteen Mile Creek Boat Ramp & Campground – October 2023 to January 2024. 

Visitors can use other boat ramps upstream and downstream of the closed areas. Boat ramp options include: 

• For Edwards Ferry Boat Ramp: Sycamore Landing Boat Ramp (mile 27.2) and Monocacy Boat Ramp (mile 42.2)  
• For Dargan Bend Recreation Area Boat Ramp: Brunswick Boat Ramp (mile 55) and Snyders Landing Boat Ramp (mile 76.6)  
• For Fifteen Mile Creek Boat Ramp: Little Tonoloway Boat Ramp (mile 124.5) and Spring Gap Boat Ramp (mile 173.3) 

For any questions, please call 301-739-4200, option 0, to speak with park staff, or check online for bridge project updates. For park information visit the park website www.nps.gov/choh. 

Check online to see recreational opportunities at each milepost along the canal. 
 

-NPS-  

Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures. Learn more at www.nps.gov/choh.