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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Parks and outdoors

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

A sprawling 184.5-mile linear park tracing the Potomac River, preserving a 19th-century transportation artery that once linked Maryland coal fields to the port of Georgetown.

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What is the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park known for?

The park preserves a 19th-century transportation canal that operated from 1828 to 1924, primarily hauling coal from western Maryland to Georgetown. It is known for its original structures, including locks, lockhouses, and aqueducts, as well as its scenic natural and cultural resources along the Potomac River valley.

Where is the park located?

The park is located in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, stretching 184.5 miles along the Potomac River from Georgetown in D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland.

Is it free to visit?

Most park access points are free, with the exception of the Great Falls Tavern entry point.

What activities can I do there?

Visitors can go hiking, camping, and bicycling to experience the geology and wildlife of the Potomac River valley. The park also offers reproduction canal boat rides to interpret life on the canal.

When do the canal boat rides operate?

Canal boat rides typically operate from April through October, departing from Great Falls and Georgetown.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is a massive preservation project spanning 184.5 miles from Georgetown, Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. Built between 1828 and 1850, the canal served as a vital transportation lifeline for nearly a century, hauling coal, lumber, and agricultural products from western Maryland to market. Established by Congress in 1971, the park protects roughly 20,000 acres of scenic, natural, and cultural resources. Visitors can explore hundreds of original 19th-century structures, including lockhouses, aqueducts, and locks, which stand as silent reminders of the Canal Era. The trail provides a unique opportunity to experience the geology and wildlife of the Potomac River valley while walking through history. In the District of Columbia, the canal begins at 29th Street NW, south of M Street, and runs west alongside Canal Road and the Clara Barton Parkway. This section remains highly popular, contributing to the park's status as the most-visited national historical park unit of the National Park Service, with over four million visitors recorded in 2022. To bring the past to life, the park offers reproduction canal boat rides that interpret the daily struggles and routines of canal life. These excursions typically operate from April through October, departing from locations in Georgetown and Great Falls.

Visitor tips

  • Start your walk in Georgetown at 29th Street NW to follow the canal's original beginning.
  • Book reproduction canal boat rides between April and October to experience the waterway from the water.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the park stretches for 184.5 miles with numerous access points.
  • Note that while most access points are free, the Great Falls Tavern entry point requires a fee.

Nearby context

Located in the historic Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., the canal runs parallel to the Potomac River and the Clara Barton Parkway, providing a green corridor that contrasts with the urban density of the city.

Sources

Evidence and links