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.
Bike rider along the towpath
The towpath offers a serene bike riding experience.
Lockhouse 16 along the Canal
Lockhouse 16 sits atop a stone outcropping above the lock.
Hancock Visitor Center (Bowles House)
One of seven Park visitor centers, the Bowles House sits along an empty canal bed in Hancock.
Big Slackwater
Big Slackwater is a 3 mile stretch where canal boats entered the Potomac River to travel above Dam 4.
Charles F. Mercer Replica Canal Boat
Mule-drawn canal boat rides are offered at Great Falls Tavern, April through October.
