Last updated: October 10, 2024
Place
C&O Canal Lock 60
Quick Facts
Amenities
2 listed
Toilet - Vault/Composting, Water - Non-Potable
Along the 184.5 miles of the canal are 74 lift locks. These locks were put into place to help boats overcome the 605-foot elevation change between Georgetown and Cumberland. The C&O Canal is like a staircase, canal boats traveled along the flat sections and used the locks to take a “step up or down” about eight feet. The locks typically had hand-operated miter gates that were simple and followed Leonardo da Vinci’s original 1485 design. Entering the lock was the most demanding part of canalling.
Lock 60 is the 3rd of the 13 upper locks that was constructed as a “composite lock”, or a lock made with more than one material. It is made of kyanized (treated) wood and uncut stone where one can still see the lumber lined walls on this lock. It has an 8.4’ lift and was extended on the lower end to accommodate two boats.
On the other side of the lock is a bypass flume that allowed water to bypass the lock to water the level below. Nearby, on the other side of the towpath, are the remains of the lockhouse’s stone foundation.
Lock 60 is the 3rd of the 13 upper locks that was constructed as a “composite lock”, or a lock made with more than one material. It is made of kyanized (treated) wood and uncut stone where one can still see the lumber lined walls on this lock. It has an 8.4’ lift and was extended on the lower end to accommodate two boats.
On the other side of the lock is a bypass flume that allowed water to bypass the lock to water the level below. Nearby, on the other side of the towpath, are the remains of the lockhouse’s stone foundation.