Welcome to the C&O Canal Trust
The official nonprofit partner of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
Funding Priorities
Towpath Forever
Ensuring that the towpath and its resources are here forever.
Canal Classrooms
Exposing thousands of students to outdoor education programs along the Canal.
Canal Quarters
Step back in time as you spend the night in one of seven historic lockhouses.
Discover the Canal
Learn about the C&O Canal and plan your trip with our trip planning tools, mobile app, and itineraries.
Canal Community Days
Volunteer your time to help conserve the C&O Canal.
Canal Towns
Visit these ten unique destinations that border the Canal.
News
Summer Programming Heats Up in July
(more…)
The C&O Canal Trust celebrated a very active July with various events focused on stewardship, education, and beautification throughout the entire length of the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP). We engaged with community groups through our Canal For All program, and we welcomed corporate groups for stewardship projects. This month, the Trust worked with Anheuser Busch, Arc of Washington County, Boys and Girls Club of Eastern Panhandle, Extreme Bike Camp, Girls Inc., the Landon School, Salesforce, and Timbrook Achievement Center / Teens Inc..
Celebrating National Wellness Month
This August, celebrate National Wellness Month with us in the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP)! National Wellness Month is focused on managing stress and creating routines that foster healthy lifestyles. The C&O Canal NHP offers a great location to explore stress management and healthy activities and routines. With over 184.5 miles to explore, the Park provides visitors with many opportunities to incorporate wellness into their daily and weekly routines.
(more…)
(more…)
Corporate Stewardship Events are in Full Swing
Each year, hundreds of volunteers band together to make a difference in the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP). As one of the most visited national parks in the country, the C&O Canal NHP welcomes roughly five million people each year. Increasing visitation can significantly strain the Park’s natural and cultural resources. Fortunately, dedicated volunteers through the C&O Canal Trust’s programs and partnerships help to keep the C&O Canal NHP beautiful, safe, and welcoming.
(more…)
Photo by Trust Staff
(more…)
Trust President & CEO Lauren Riviello Joins PreserveCast
During National Preservation Month, Trust President & CEO Lauren Riviello joined Preservation Maryland’s PreserveCast to discuss activating historic resources. With topics ranging from how she came to work with non-profits to the C&O Canal Trust’s award-winning Canal Quarters interpretive program, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Listen Here
C&O Canal Trust Works to Make Park Accessible and Inclusive
American essayist, author, and briefly National Park ranger, Edward Abbey once said, “The national parks belong to everyone. To the people. To all of us.” For those of us who love our national parks, who cross off a park with a “bucket list” level of commitment each time we visit, this statement rings true. Our national parks allow people to explore the natural world and wonders around us, a window into the past and the breathtaking beauty of lands preserved. And yet, while everyone is welcome, so many, especially those of differing backgrounds, often experience barriers preventing visitation. The C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) offers so much incredible history for visitors of all ages and backgrounds to explore. But there are many who have yet to visit our local national park, or who have not had the opportunity to experience its historical and natural resources. (more…)
Lock 2 in Georgetown by Paul Graunke
C&O Canal Explorer
Mobile App
Download our new mobile app to your Android or Apple phone and explore the C&O Canal in a whole new way. Get the app!
Stay The Night at a Lockhouse
Canal Quarters lockhouses offer a historic, recreational, and educational experience like no other. Book your stay today!
Enter our Monthly Photo Contest
The C&O Canal Trust sponsors a monthly photo contest highlighting the best photos you have taken of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Find out how to enter here!
