Park Project Page

A view of the towpath along the McMahon's Mill project area

NPS Photo | Joe Reed, Park Engineer

Reconstruct/Stabilize Historic Stone Wall & Towpath McMahon's Mill to Lock 42

The park plans to rehabilitate a historic stone retaining wall and stabilize the towpath along a 0.9-mile stretch between McMahon’s Mill (mile 88) and Lock 42 (mile 89) in Williamsport, Maryland. This section of the park is intermittently covered with water during river flooding, causing resource damage and requiring bicycle and pedestrian detours.

Once the project is complete, the towpath is less likely to experience as many high-water event closures, allowing for more frequent and safe passage for visitors. Learn more about the project on our Reconstruct/Stabilize Historic Stone Wall & Towpath McMahon's Mill to Lock 42 project page.

 

An aerial view of the Paw Paw Tunnel boardwalk, following completion of the rock scaling portion of the project

NPS Photo

Paw Paw Tunnel Rock Scaling and Pinning Project

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal) is conducting a rock scaling project along the towpath at the northern or downstream portal of the Paw Paw Tunnel (Mile 155.2).

Go to our Paw Paw Tunnel Rock Scaling and Pinning Project page for more information on the project and its scope.

 

 

The Great Falls Tavern area, including the re-watered canal after repairs to the waste weir (shown in the bottom right corner).

NPS Photo | Joe Reed, Park Engineer

Repair Watered Structures Locks 5-22 Project

Construction began in December 2017. As of April 2020, all detours have been removed and only punchlist items remain to complete the project. Project work focused on eight different areas between Little Falls and Swains Lock.

Work took place at the following areas in the Palisades District of the C&O Canal: Swains Lock (MP 16.9 Breach), Great Falls Tavern (Level #20 and Lock #19), Olmsted Island (Lock #18 and Lock #17), Carderock (Culvert #15), Lock #10 (Rock Run Culvert) and Level #7.

These improvements will help the park's historic structures withstand impacts from Potomac River floods and make the features easier to maintain. For more information about the project, visit the Repair Watered Structures Locks 5-22 Project page.

 

Newly resurfaced section of towpath at the Monocacy Aqueduct in Montgomery County.

NPS Photo

Towpath Resurfacing Project

Visitors will see towpath resurfacing taking place throughout the park over the course of five to ten years. These improvements will create a smoother, safer visit for the park's nearly 5 million annual visitors. For more information and current work areas, please visit our Towpath Resurfacing Project page.