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 listed below. ![]() NPS Photo | McClain Report a Safety HazardIf you notice a safety hazard, please submit a safety hazard report. Safety TipsKnow Your LocationTowpath mile markers begin with Mile 0 in Georgetown and end with Mile 184.5 in Cumberland. If an emergency occurs, your ability to provide park and/or emergency staff with your location is important. Make a Plan10 Tips to Plan Your Trip Like a Park Ranger Share Your PlansIf possible, let someone who is not coming with you know details about your planned activities:
Be sure to check in with your contact when you complete your activity. If you have an emergency or you are concerned about someone's well-being, please call 911. Drink WaterDrinking water is generally available from mid-April (around the 15th) to mid-November (around the 15th) at Hiker/Biker and Drive-In Campsite locations, approximately every 5 to 7 miles. Potable water may not be available at each hiker/biker campsite. Please plan to bring water purification tablets with you. Recreate ResponsiblyBikingKeep yourself and others safe by following the speed limit (15 MPH maximum). The towpath is filled with rocks and holes that can throw you off your bike. Bicyclists should yield other recreation types including horse riders, hikers, and walkers. Ride single file and stay to the right except when passing. Make sure to walk bikes over aqueducts and through tunnels. Helmets required in accordance with county ordinances. Children under the age of 18 are required to wear helmets in Montgomery County, MD, and children under the age of 16 are required to wear helmets in other areas of the park. Hiking and Rock ScramblingRock scrambling is allowed within selected areas of the park. One of the park's most popular trails for rock scrambling is the Billy Goat Trail A. When hiking or scrambling, please stay on the trail to avoid injuring endangered floral and plants. Rock scrambling off trail is dangerous and is strongly discouraged. We have had serious visitor injuries and a fatality with off trail rock scrambling so please stay on trail. Dress appropriately and drink plenty of water. Rock ClimbingRock climbing is allowed within selected areas of the park. The most popular rock climbing area is at the Carderock Recreation Area located adjacent to the Clara Barton Parkway. Rock climbing in other areas of the park is dangerous and has resulted in visitor injuries. Please use appropriate equipment when climbing and stay within your abilities. SwimmingSwimming is not allowed in the canal waters and is prohibited within the Washington, DC and Montgomery County, MD section of the Potomac River. Swimming in other sections of the Potomac River is discouraged due to hidden flood debris, deep holes, and possibly strong currents. Many people have drowned in the Potomac River because they underestimated the strength of the river current, were drinking alcohol when they decided to go swimming, or didn't think the river was deep enough to require any swimming ability. Please use caution when entering the river and do not swim in the river when the water is running high or strong. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park Wildlife and petsTicks and Tick-borne IllnessThe deer tick, also known as wood tick or black-legged tick, is known to carry and cause Lyme disease. To prevent ticks, be sure to stay on trail and wear insect repellent. Please visit the CDC website to learn more about Lyme disease and proper tick removal. Protect your pets with these tipsLots of people enjoy walking the towpath with their dogs. Working together, we can make sure that people, pets, and the park are all protected. WildlifeHelp us keep wildlife wild. Observe and photograph all wildlife from a distance. Use telephoto lenses and observe quietly. Environmental ConditionsWeatherSevere weather conditions may occur suddenly and without warning, creating unsafe conditions along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Below are some examples of severe weather conditions and tips for staying safe if you encounter extreme weather during your visit. Get the latest weather forecast
Staying Safe From Falling Trees and BranchesFalling branches, limbs, and trees can cause hazardous conditions, and may pose risks to life and infrastructure, especially in developed areas. While in the park, please remain observant of your surroundings, particularly in campgrounds, picnic areas, and while on the towpath or other trails.
Be aware of your surroundings. Trees, limbs, and branches can fall at any time.
Be attentive while hiking and biking, looking up and around regularly, especially during high winds.
Be cautious when selecting a place to park, camp, picnic, or rest. Look for dead, cracked, broken, or hanging branches, or under trees that are rotten at the base or have cracked bark peeling off the trunk. |
Last updated: February 25, 2022