Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Visitors walking along the canal towpath next to the Potomac River.

NPS Gallery

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park’s Towpath follows the 184.5 mile of the once operational Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (1828-1850). Today the canal endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures. All 184.5-miles of the canal towpath from Cumberland, MD to Washington, DC are a part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and can be hiked, biked, or completed on a multi-day bikpacking or backpacking trip. The towpath is dense with historical structures, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Potomac River.

Visitor Centers Along the C&O Canal:

• Georgetown Visitor Center 0.4 mi
• Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center 14.3 mi
• Brunswick Visitor Center/Brunswick Heritage Museum 55 mi
• Williamsport Visitor Center 99.8 mi
• Cumberland Visitor Center 184.5 mi

There are several primitive campsites (tent camping) along the C&O Canal for hikers and bikers. This is a summarized list for every 15-25 miles. For a comprehensive list of hiker campsites and other amenities visit Hiker-Biker Camping webpage.

• Swains Lock 16.6 mi
• Turtle Run 34.4 mi
• Bald Eagle Island 50.3 mi
• Killansburg Cave 75.2 mi
• Big Woods 82.7 mi
• Cumberland Valley 95.2
• North Mountain 110 mi
• Little Pool 120.6 mi
• Devils Alley 144.5 mi
• Potomac Forks 164.8
• Evitts Creek 180.1 mi