Accessibility

Plan Like A Ranger

A trip to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers you an opportunity to discover historical, natural, and recreational treasures. While preparing for your visit please be aware of closures and current conditions, weather forecasts, and review the safety tips.

 

 

The information below may help you better plan your visit. If a particular service or issue is not mentioned, please contact the nearest visitor center for assistance.

Physical / Mobility Needs

All visitor centers and their associated restrooms are accessible.

The canal towpath is a graded gravel path throughout the park. It can get muddy after rain events, making the trail uneven in places.

The Great Falls Overlook is 1/2 mile from the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. A series of bridges and boardwalks lead from the towpath to the overlook. The bridges to the overlook are accessible ramps of wood and cement. All other hiking trails are not accessible.

Drive-In campsites located at Antietam Creek and McCoys Ferry have one accessible site including picnic table and accessible fire ring.

Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids: Those devices that meet the definition of a wheelchair are allowed anywhere foot travel is allowed. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) definition of a wheelchair (Title V Section 508c) is a manually-operated or power-driven device designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability for the main purpose of indoor or of both indoor and outdoor locomotion.

Deaf / Hearing Loss

ASL interpretation and listening devices are available upon request for ranger-led tours at no charge. Please email us at least three weeks prior to your visit to make arrangements.

A text narrative is also available of the mule-drawn canal boat program.

Federal Relay Service

Voice: 1-866-377-8642
Voice Carry Over: 1-877-877-6280
Speech-to-Speech: 1-877-877-8982
Telebraille: 1-866-893-8340

 

Bridge at Anglers

NPS photo

Blind / Low Vision

NPS Mobile App

The NPS App is accessible and includes alt text for images. Some areas of the park do not have cell service; download the NPS App prior to coming to the park.
Features available include:

• Audio descriptions of exhibits along trails and roads
• Things to do in the park
• Details about amenities
• News, calendar, and passport stamp locations

Unidescription App

The Unidescription App provides text and audio description of the park brochure and the park map. The app is available to download here:

Unidescription iOS app
Unidescription Android app

Service Animals

Service animals are permitted everywhere visitors go at the C&O Canal. See service animal definitions. All animal waste must be picked up and removed from the park.

Interagency Access Pass

U.S. Citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities qualify for the Interagency Access Pass, which provides free or discounted access to over 2,000 Federal recreation sites. It is currently available at the Great Falls Entrance Station. Learn more about fees at C&O Canal.