Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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.

Great Falls 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.

The rushing river cascades over the rocks of the Potomac

Bike rider along the towpath

The towpath offers a serene bike riding experience.

A single bike rider on the towpath next to the widewater section of the canal.

Lockhouse 16 along the Canal

Lockhouse 16 sits atop a stone outcropping above the lock.

A whitewashed lockhouse sits above a stone lock with wooden crib.

Big Slackwater

Big Slackwater is a 3 mile stretch where canal boats entered the Potomac River to travel above Dam 4.

Fog over the Potomac River alongside the Canal towpath.

Charles F. Mercer Replica Canal Boat

Mule-drawn canal boat rides are offered at Great Falls Tavern, April through October.

A replica double decker canal boat is being pulled upstream by mules.