C&O Canal Lock 8 (Seven Locks)

Lock 8

Paul Graunke

Quick Facts

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table

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.  
 

Locks 8 through 14 are known as Seven Locks. These seven locks are all close together over a 1.25-mile stretch.