National Parks / Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
National Historical Park — DC,MD,WV
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.
Current Alerts
- CautionDC Water Sewer Overflow
DC Water is managing a sanitary sewer overflow from the Potomac Interceptor near Lock 10. Anyone with questions or in need of support can reach out to DC Water’s 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400 or visit https://www.dcwater.com/about-dc-water/media/potomac-interceptor-collapse.
More info → - CautionHiking in Gold Mine Tract
Visitors are restricted to the designated trails within the Gold Mine Tract in the Great Falls area. This location is generally defined as that area bordered by MacArthur Boulevard and Berma Road and depicted on the Great Falls Maryland Hiking Map.
More info → - Park ClosureClosures: Detours; Towpath; Points of Interest
Multiple items are closed due to hazardous conditions or maintenance. See below for more details.
More info → - InformationEquestrian Traffic Temporarily Prohibited - Mile 124.5 to 155
Horses are prohibited between Little Tonoloway (mile 124.5) and Paw Paw (mile 155) due to recent and ongoing towpath resurfacing. See more for details.
More info →
Source: National Park Service.
Upcoming Events
- Guided Tours of Riley's LockhouseSun Aug 23 2026
- B.A.R.K. Ranger at Great Falls TavernWed Aug 26 2026
- Junior Ranger Day at Great FallsSun Aug 30 2026
- Abner Cloud House TourSun Sep 06 20264940 Canal Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007