C&O Canal Maps

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.

 

Official Park Maps

C&O Canal NHP stretches 184.5 miles along the banks of the Potomac River from Georgetown in Washington, DC to Cumberland in western Maryland. Along the way, the park passes through four counties in Maryland: Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, and Allegany.

The park has numerous access points. There is no main entrance. In Washington, DC, the C&O Canal begins at mile 0 in Georgetown near 29th St NW, south of M St, and runs alongside Canal Rd to the west. The entrance to Great Falls Tavern area is at MacArthur Blvd and Falls Rd in Potomac, MD. Park Headquarters and the Cushwa Basin Visitor Center are in Williamsport, MD off I-81 at exit 2. The Cumberland Terminus Visitor Center and mile 184.5 are off I-68 at exit 43C.

To download official maps visit the National Park Service cartography site, or pick up a copy at any of our visitor centers.

Below: Toggle between two maps with different features, Standard Map or Brochure Map, using the picklist on the top left corner of the map. The Standard Map also shows points of interest from other nearby National Park Service units. Use the Zoom In (+) or Zoom Out (-) functions to see the different points of interest across the park.

 

 

Official NPS App

Our mobile app is another great wayfinding option, featuring a map of the hiking trails, overlooks, services, and other points of interest at C&O Canal NHP, as well as all 400+ sites in the National Park Service system. Just remember to download offline content before arriving at the park, as cell reception can be unreliable.

 

Parkwide Resources

C&O Canal Map

Park Planner and Recreational Guide by Milepost

Great Falls Hiking Trails (including the Billy Goat Trail)

Billy Goat A Trail Hiking Tips

Great Falls Hiking Map

Great Falls Hiking Trail Descriptions

Walking Guides

Williamsport Walking Guide

Four Locks Walking Guide

More Resources

Large print and detailed maps provide by the National Park Service Cartography Site

 

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center Hours and Seasons

Seven visitor centers are spread over the 184.5 miles of the C&O Canal. Each has separate hours and seasons.

Eating and Sleeping

Will you stay in a near by canal town, reserved campground or hiker-biker camp site? Discover your options here!

Things To Do

With 184.5 miles of canal to explore, there are many places to visit and many ways to enjoy the park in every season!