NPS Photo/E. Cowan Attend a Ranger Program and learn more about the history of the C&O Canal, meet the park mules, explore nature, and more! Interpretive programs are offered daily, Wednesday-Sunday. In addition to regularly scheduled programs, special events like Holidays at the Tavern, National Park Week, and more are scheduled throughout the year. Check the park calendar for upcoming special events and activities. Year-Round ActivitiesThe Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center is open year-round, Wednesday-Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The visitor center includes a Discovery Space that features hands-on activities that rotate every month, and an exhibit room that features information about mules and the C&O Canal. Visitors can also earn their Junior Ranger badge by stopping by the visitor center to pick up and complete an activity book. 2024/2025 Winter SchedulePlease note that all programs may be modified or canceled due to weather, staffing, or canal maintenance. Great Falls TavernNovember 2nd - May 4th
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.: B.A.R.K. Ranger 1st Saturday of each month 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Music On the Canal Boat ProgramsThe Great Falls Tavern Boat Program has concluded for the season.
Pop-Up and Roving ProgramsIn addition to regularly scheduled programs, park staff offer unscheduled pop-up and roving programs throughout the year. These programs typically take place outside the Visitor Center, at the Great Falls Overlook trailhead, and at Fletchers Cove. Topics include water safety, invasive plants, immigrant and labor history, and more.Special EventsThe Great Falls Tavern is host to several special events throughout the year including Holidays at the Tavern, National Park Week, and Frolics & Diversions. Information about special events can be found on the park calendar.Group Programs & ToursThe Great Falls area of the C&O Canal is a great place for a group outing. At this time, we cannot accept requests for specialty group tours or programs. Groups are welcome to attend our ranger programs on the day of their visit, as well as explore the Visitor Center, Discovery Space, and exhibits.Program Descriptions
NPS photo/S. Gabler Meet the MulesMeet members of the park's current mule herd and learn more about the unique hybrid-species. Mules were often referred to as the 'engines of the canal' as they pulled thousands of boats up and down the canal from Georgetown to Cumberland, MD and back. Join a ranger for this unique program and learn more about how mules helped to shape the history of the C&O Canal and the United States. 
NPS Photo/E. Cowan Lock DemosJoin a park ranger as they demonstrate how to open and close the canal locks just as lock keepers did in the 19th century. Experience the sights and sounds of the canal and learn how the locks helped boat crews travel the canal through changes in elevation. 
NPS photo/C. Tongish Silhouettes & HaberdasheryClothing and fashion have always played an important role in defining people, communities, and time periods. Fashion along the canal varied from clothing worn by working-class boat operators and lock keepers and more high-end clothing worn by those who traveled along and visited the canal for leisure. Stop by the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center to learn more about the evolution of fashion and the everyday garments that people wore for work or leisure. Try on replica pieces and get a better idea of what it was like to live in the garments that shaped the 19th-century. 
NPS photo Fishing ProgramsFishing enthusiasts and beginners alike are welcome to join our fishing programs at Fletchers Cove. Learn the basics of fishing and recreating responsibly, and also how fishing helps to contribute to a healthy and thriving ecosystem. Please note that a valid Washington, D.C. fishing licence is required for anyone ages 16 and up in order to fish (a license is not required to participate in other activities offered as part of the program).Location: Fletchers Cove Program type: Walk-up (spend as much or little time as you like) Duration: 3 hours Reservations: No 
NPS photo/C. Tongish Music on the CanalJoin musicians from the Northern Virginia Dulcimer Group at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center as they share their interpretations of 19th century music. A variety of historical instruments will be used, including dulcimers, banjo, and upright bass. 
NPS photo/A. Zimmerman Hiking Etiquette 101Join a park ranger for a guided hike of the River Trail and learn about basic hiking etiquette. Learn about the negative impacts of social trails, the seven principles of Leave No Trace, and how to be a responsible steward of natural resources. Visitors are the park's greatest resources to conserve nature and keep the park clean! The River Trail is considered moderate in difficulty. 
NPS photo/N. Talley B.A.R.K. RangerPets and their people are invited to become official C&O Canal B.A.R.K. Rangers to help them have a safe and enjoyable experience in the park. With miles of towpath and hiking trails to explore, it’s easy for pets to experience new sights, sounds, and smells. Take the pledge to follow the Rules of B.A.R.K.! |
Last updated: November 7, 2024