TrailLink :: Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park:
District of Columbia, Maryland

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Description:

The C&O Canal follows the route of the Potomac River for 184.5 miles from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, MD. Hundreds of original structures, including locks, lockhouses and aqueducts, serve as reminders of the canal's role as a transportation system during the Canal Era. In addition, the canal's towpath provides a nearly level, continuous trail through the spectacular scenery of the Potomac River Valley. Every year millions of visitors come to hike or bike the C&O Canal in order to enjoy the natural, cultural and recreational opportunities that are available here. The peak season is from May through October. Weekends in the spring and fall are especially busy. Most of the annual visitation is concentrated in the first 14 miles of the canal -- from Georgetown to Great Falls. Solitude and quiet are easily found in the upper areas of the canal much of the year.

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Parking & Trail Access:

Various sections of the canal can be reached via Routes I-495, I-70, and I-68. Please see a map of the park on the Trail Website or call the park's headquarters at 301-739-4200. There is an entrance fee at the Great Falls area of the canal. It costs $4.00 per vehicle for a three day pass and $15.00 for an annual pass. Cyclists and walkers pay $2.00. Golden Age, Golden Eagle, and Golden Access passes are honored. Commercial vehicle fees are: 1-6 people-$25.00, 7-25 people-$40.00, over 25 people-$100.00.

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Reviews:

[1 trail ratings]

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Nice for camping

By figaro on January 23, 2010

We took a 260 mile trip both ways from Brunswick to Cumberland, late last summer. Very nice campgrounds and
they have old fashioned water pumps( water very rusty) would suggest boiling water before consuming. Very nice trip would suggest anybody do it. most scenic and relaxing campsite was devils backbone

Biking with road bike

By ncbill69 on June 25, 2009

What is the narrowest tire can one ride a tandem on the C & ) Canal?

SE section

By TimBee on May 19, 2008

I rode from Pennyfield Lock into Georgetown on a beautiful April day. The scenery around Great Falls was spectacular. It would have been nice with more amenities and a nearby convenience store or cafe every now & then. I've gotten used to asphalt trails in MN & find the pace on limestone tedious.

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Trail Facts

Trail End Points: Washington, DC (Georgetown) to Cumberland, MD
Counties: Allegany, Frederick, Montgomery, Washington
Trail Length: 184.5 miles
Trail Category: Canal
Trail Surfaces: Crushed Stone, Gravel, Dirt
Trail Activities: Walk, Horseback, Bicycle, Cross Country Ski, Mountain Bicycle, Wheelchair