Explore Parks
All ParksExploreActivitiesAlertsNewsroom
This site was made with love by Ben Myatt|API
National Historical Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

CautionMar 2, 2026

DC Water Sewer Overflow

View →
InformationJan 8, 2026

Equestrian Traffic Temporarily Prohibited - Mile 124.5 to 155

View →
The rushing river cascades over the rocks of the Potomac

The area of Great Falls is one of the reasons for the C&O Canal needed to be built for boat traffic.

Photo: NPS photo

About

Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures.

Activities

BikingRoad BikingBoatingBoat TourCampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingFishingFreshwater FishingGuided ToursBoat TourHikingFront-Country Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horseback Riding
Ice Skating
Paddling
Junior Ranger Program
Skiing
Cross-Country Skiing
Snowshoeing
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Shopping

Directions

The park has numerous access points. There is no main entrance. In Washington, DC, the C&O Canal begins at mile 0 in Georgetown near 29th St NW, south of M St, and runs alongside Canal Rd to the west. The entrance to Great Falls Tavern area is at MacArthur Blvd and Falls Rd in Potomac, MD. Park Headquarters and the Cushwa Basin Visitor Center are in Williamsport, MD off I-81 at exit 2. The Cumberland Terminus Visitor Center and mile 184.5 are off I-68 at exit 43C. See the maps page for more.

Get directions →

Weather

The Washington, DC, area has a four-season Mid-Atlantic climate. Summertime is warm and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy. Precipitation averages 2-4” monthly, year-round. The climate gradually gets cooler and wetter further west along the canal where the elevation is higher.

News

A New Vision for Great Falls Starts Now
Feb 5, 2026

A New Vision for Great Falls Starts Now

The National Park Service has completed the Great Falls Area (Maryland) Development Concept Plan, a major milestone that sets the long-term direction for stewardship, visitor experiences and education at one of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park’s most visited places.

Dec 19, 2025

Lander Lock Bridge closed to vehicles  

Update (12/23/25): The Lander Lock Bridge has reopened with a reduced load rating of 5-tons.

Sep 16, 2025

Construction to Begin on Byron Bridge Stairway

The National Park Service will begin construction on a new stairway connecting the Goodloe Byron Memorial Footbridge (Byron Bridge) to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park towpath at mile 60.6.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle$20.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$15.00
Entrance - Per Person$10.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups$100.00