Image Credit: Francis Grant-Suttie
Great Falls is a favored location of the C&O Canal. One of the best things about the location is its wide range of uses for programming. Great Falls is used not only as the location for the C&O Canal Trust’s largest annual fundraising event, Park After Dark, but is also the kickoff location for the Canal Community Days season. Though, it is also where other Trust and Park programs operate including Canal For All, Canal Classrooms, National Kids To Parks Day, Latino Conservation Week, and more! This location is perfect for showcasing what the C&O Canal has to offer with opportunities for education, recreation, and volunteering.
Photos by Kim Cawley, Trust Staff, and Francis Grant-Suttie
Williamsport is another prime location for programming with its access to both Cushwa Basin as well as Lock 44. It marks a popular location for history buffs as it has a large concentration of historical structures; the Conococheague Aqueduct, Lock 44, Lockhouse 44, the RailBrigde, and the Trolley Barn. This location is popular for Canal For All and Canal Classrooms programming.
Photos by Paul Graunke, Jim Blair, Trust Staff, and Francis Grant-Suttie
The Paw Paw Tunnel is the only tunnel within the entire 184.5 miles of the Park. Having recently undergone construction to repair and secure the boardwalk it is ready for action. Events at the Paw Paw Tunnel have included primarily included guided walks for Walk Maryland Day and National Wellness Month. Our Canal For All coordinator is currently looking for groups to take to the tunnel for programming, so if you know any groups who may be interested please reach out.
Photos by Garner Woodall, Brian Rimm, Jan Branscome, Brian Breighner, and Trust Staff
Carderock serves as an favorite location for hikers, bikers, and rock climbers. This recreation hub is home to the Billy Goat Trails: A, B, and C which decrease in difficulty. For our programming which typically focuses on hiking basics at this location Billy Goat Trail C is the go-to. Carderock is also a prime location for many corporate stewardship events given its prime location.
Photos by Shantel Breen, NPS, and Trust Staff
McMahons Mill is a beautiful location for walkers and bikers. The sights in the area make this destination popular including a cave, the mill, and the waterfall. This location recently had reconstructive work done to minimize the effects of high water on the Towpath at miles 88 and 89, this has provided a smooth, level surface for recreation.
Photos by Raven Ardinger, Leigh Scott, Koren Mayhle, MJ Clingan, and Preston Paige Pipe
Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
The Canal Towns embrace a long, storied history of transportation achievements and cultural heritage including art. The natural beauty that surrounds the towns and the quiet charm within their boundaries appeals to artists making homes here and pursuing their art inclinations. Although popular today as quaint and welcoming stations for trail adventurers to reset with unique food and drink offerings, breweries, and old-fashion ice cream parlors; the towns have much more to offer as well.
Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
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..
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Photo by Trust Staff
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Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
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.
Lock 2 in Georgetown by Paul Graunke
Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
Photo by Francis Grant-Suttie
Photo by Francis Grant-Suttie
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Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
Did you know that the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) is one of the most biologically diverse parks, with one of the highest concentrations of rare, threatened and endangered plant species in the eastern United States? Help us preserve and protect the larger natural ecosystem of the C&O Canal. Get involved this April by giving a gift to the C&O Canal Trust or joining us this year for our public volunteer Canal Community Days events.
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Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
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Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
Along the 184.5 mile length of the towpath, there are many small towns and communities where visitors can explore, shop, eat and sleep. In chillier months, Park lovers can find refuge among cozy cafes or warm up with a craft beer in one of the many local breweries.
Celebrate FeBREWary this year by visiting each of these canal towns in the Canal Towns Partnership and check out these featured cafes and breweries.
Poolesville, MD
(Mile Marker 30.9, 35.5)
Locals Farm Market
19929 Fisher Avenue, Poolesville, MD 20837
4.7 miles from the towpath at Edwards Ferry
Brunswick, MD
(Mile Marker 55)
Smoketown Brewing Station
223 W. Potomac Street Brunswick, MD 21716
0.3 mile walk/bike from C&O Canal
Beans in the Belfry
223 W. Potomac Street Brunswick, MD 21716
0.3 mile walk/bike from C&O Canal
Harpers Ferry, WV
(Mile Marker 60.7)
Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee
180 High St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
0.4 mile walk/bike from C&O Canal Lock 33
Harpers Ferry Brewing
37412 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville, VA 20132
2.5 miles from the towpath in Harpers Ferry
H.B. Snallygaster’s General Store & Cafe
1102 W. Washington Street, Bolivar, WV 25425
1.6 miles from Maryland Heights Trailhead
Bolivar, WV
(Mile Marker 60.7)
Rations Roasters
1271 Washington Street, Bolivar, WV 25425
2.2 miles from C&O Canal towpath
Shepherdstown, WV
(Mile Marker 76.8)
Bavarian Inn, Resort and Brewing Company
164 Shepherd Grade Road, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
0.7 mile walk/bike from the C&O Canal
Lost Dog Coffee Fine Arts Drink Emporium
134 E German Street, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
1.0 mile walk/bike from the C&O Canal
Shepherdstown Sweet Shop and Bakery
100 W German Street, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
1.0 mile walk/bike from the C&O Canal
Williamsport, MD
(Mile Marker 99.4)
Cushwa Brewing Company
10210 Governor Lane Blvd. #2100, Williamsport, MD 21795
2.5 mile walk/bike from C&O Canal
River Bottom Roasters
10212 Governor Lane Blvd. #1008, Williamsport, MD 21795
2.5 mile walk/bike from C&O Canal
Cumberland, MD
(Mile Marker 184.5)
Basecamp Coffee Company
108 Greene Street, Cumberland, MD 21502
0.6 mile walk/bike from C&O Canal
Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
In 2023, we received many wonderful photo contest entries. From iconic nature pictures to mesmerizing sunsets to beautiful day trips along the towpath, our canal enthusiasts share gorgeous highlights of the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
These are your favorite photos—our monthly photo contest winners! Check them out below and reminisce with us about 2023.
Click the picture to view full size.
Submit your photos of the Park to be considered for our monthly photo contest here.
Celebrate your love for the C&O Canal by sharing your personal story about the Park. Each story will take a look at a person’s relationship with the C&O Canal. Whether an NPS ranger, a volunteer, or a visitor, everyone has a story to tell about the canal! If you want to share your story, fill out the form below, email it to us at [email protected] or post it on your social media feeds with the hashtag #MyCanalStory. We could use your story here on our website!
The C&O Canal Trust welcomed more than 70 individuals to the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) in October for volunteer service and educational programs.
Groups with the Washington County Division of Stormwater Management and Kite Pharma worked with the Trust to collectively remove nearly 2,000 pounds of trash from Weverton between mile markers 57 and 59 during two volunteer events. Trust volunteers responded to an immediate need for trash cleanup in the area, providing vital support to the Park and visitors. Along with general trash, the groups removed items like a frying pan, fishing nets, metal folding chairs, and a card table. Volunteers with Shepherd University helped remove over 200 pounds of trash from Lock 38, another busy access point in Washington County. Read More
To celebrate Bats and their impact to our local ecosystems we have compiled some Bat-tastic fun facts to share with you!
1. Bats can eat more than 1,000 mosquitos per night.
Each adult bat can eat up to 1,000 insects per hour. That is over $53 million of free pest control they provide and with the agricultural benefit of being pesticide free.
2. The C&O Canal NHP is home to 10 species of bats.
There are 10 confirmed species of bats within the C&O Canal NHP. Eight of which are hibernating bats.
3. Bats are pollinators just like birds and bees.
Bats aid in pollination both by transferring pollen when drinking nectar from flowers but also through seed spreading.
4. Bats are the only mammal that can fly.
There are other mammals that have the ability to glide, or fall with style. Though bats are the only mammal that have the true ability to fly.
5. Not all bats use echolocation to find prey.
While many believe bats to have poor eyesight and rely on echolocation, bats’ vision is actually pretty comparable to human sight. As well not all bats can echolocate, only 70% have the capability.
6. The species of bats within the areas of the C&O Canal are all insectivores.
Insectivore as the name suggests eat insects. While other species of bat can be carnivores or frugivores. Carnivorous bats eat meat like frogs, fish and birds. Frugivores eat fruit and other vegetation like fig, mango and agave.
7. The C&O Canal NHP is a top favorite for hibernating bats in the state of Maryland.
Eight different species of bat now call the Indigo Tunnel “home,” including the Maryland state endangered small-footed myotis and the federally endangered Indiana bat. The Indigo Tunnel, located in Allegany County, has been identified by Maryland Department of Natural Resources as one of the largest bat hibernacula in the state. To protect the hibernating bats and their home, the National Park Service has placed metal gates at the portals of the tunnel. (pictured below)
Information for this post was sourced from the NPS and BatWeek.org
Top image by HitchHike via Pexels