“Dreaming” at the Monocacy Aqueduct by Kim Cawley
During the winter months, as the days get shorter, everyone begins to move a little slower and time appears to expand. Still, winter is a great season for visiting the C&O Canal National Historical Park, particularly for those who are willing to pause and experience the quiet that comes with winter hibernation. During the winter season, visitors can expect clearer skies and the chance to see an incredible array of constellations. In many areas of the Park, visiting after dark is prohibited, but for those planning their through-rides and staying at hiker-biker campsites or Canal Quarters lockhouses, stargazing is a magical experience.
Lockhouse 6 at Night by Susie Bruninga
Lockhouse 49 Campfire by Trust Staff
The best places for stargazing on the C&O Canal are the more remote areas of the Park. In places where there is a lot of light pollution, visitors may have more difficulty making out certain constellations. There are 31 hiker-biker campsites along the 184.5 miles of the C&O Canal; these provide some of the best places to see stars in the night sky. In areas that are not quite so remote, such as Harpers Ferry or Georgetown, stargazers may face a few challenges seeing the winter constellations. As you move further west into areas in Allegany County, you are more likely to have a clearer view of the night sky.
Harpers Ferry at Night by Robert A. Powell
As the C&O Canal NHP is located in the Northern Hemisphere, visitors can expect to see constellations that are located in that area of the night sky. Some of the most recognizable constellations that can be seen in the winter months are Orion the Hunter, Canis Major, Taurus the Bull, and the Big and Little Dipper!
Nighttime at Catoctin Aqueduct by Bob Babcock
Waxing Gibbous Phase of the Moon at Key Bridge, Canal Road by Vinod Thomas
Plan your evening adventure in the C&O Canal this winter to see the stars! The C&O Canal Trust offers visitors the unique opportunity to stay in a historic lockhouse right along the towpath. Before you tuck in for the night, spend some time gazing up at the night sky and enjoy the beauty of our galaxy, and be sure to share with us which of the constellations you are able to see during your visit!
