Last updated: July 29, 2025
Thing to Do
Wildlife Watching - Oldtown C&O Canal
NPS | Nicole Phillips
Head down the C&O Canal NHP towpath in Oldtown, Maryland into a rare ecosystem mirroring that of the West. Spot a variety of wildlife and dragonfly species in this secluded hotspot.
Look out for broadwing hawks, prairie and pine warblers, muskrats, painted turtles, white-tail deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of dragonfly species.
Two-miles down the towpath, encounter a shale-barren outcropping, a nationally rare ecosystem home to species that one may not see anywhere else along the trail.
Look out for broadwing hawks, prairie and pine warblers, muskrats, painted turtles, white-tail deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of dragonfly species.
Two-miles down the towpath, encounter a shale-barren outcropping, a nationally rare ecosystem home to species that one may not see anywhere else along the trail.
Details
Duration
2-4 Hours
Activity
Wildlife Watching
Pets Allowed
Yes
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Lock 70 Oldtown C&O Canal
Head left down the towpath from the Oldtown picnic area parking lot.
Reservations
No
Accessibility Information
The towpath is a flat, gravel path that can be accessed from the Oldtown picnic area.