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Mar 25
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Ways to Volunteer with the C&O Canal Trust

By Uncategorized

Have you ever been unsure of the best way you can support the C&O Canal Trust? Well, it will be different for each individual so we are putting together this guide to help you find what works for you!

Canal Community Days

Canal Community Days is our largest annual public volunteer event. Within this program, hundreds of volunteers each year complete a variety of preservation, beautification, maintenance, and conservation projects throughout the park. There are four public events taking place at Great Falls, Williamsport, Allegany County, and Frederick County. After working with the park service to identify priorities and determine the service projects safety, recruitment begins.

A major benefit of joining one of our public Canal Community Day events is that you get to be a part of a larger impact. While one person may spread mulch, paint park structures, or clean up trash together we make the park shine!

Long-term Volunteer Opportunities

Maybe you prefer a long term way to make a difference, one that can be yours. If that sounds like you, we invite you to look into our Canal Stewards and/or Quartermaster programs.

Canal Stewards

The Canal Stewards program is a long-term option to volunteer in the park by “adopting” a section and taking responsibility for its upkeep. You can adopt parking lots, boat ramps, day use areas, campgrounds, park structures, or sections of the towpath. Becoming a Steward is a great way to enjoy the park while helping keep it safe, clean, and fun for all!

Quartermasters

Quartermasters however support the Canal Quarters lockhouses. The primary responsibility of a quartermaster is to perform maintenance of their designated lockhouse and be available for guests to reach out to during their stay. This opportunity is ideal for those living in close proximity to a CQ lockhouse.

Group and Individual Volunteer Opportunities

Do you belong to a group that is interested in volunteering? Maybe you belong to a youth group or a club at school. Perhaps you and your coworkers want to volunteer. Maybe you and your family have an interest in volunteering. We have options to support any group who is interested in supporting the preservation of the C&O Canal National Historical Park!

Corporate and Nonprofit Stewardship Opportunities

Your company or organization can spend a day along the C&O Canal, building team spirit and working on special projects that contribute to the Park’s ongoing beautification and preservation. Each year, the C&O Canal Trust organizes and hosts community service projects in the Park essential to preservation and beautification. These projects are a great opportunity for your employees to help the community, and enjoy time outdoors. We will work with you to find a date, location, and project for your group, to be planned and led by C&O Canal Trust staff or a trained leader.

School and Youth Organization Volunteer Opportunities

School-affiliated and community youth organizations in collaboration with the Trust can plan a volunteer project in the Park. The Trust loves to work with youth and their communities! School classes, scout troops, homeschooling groups, religious groups, and other youth-centered organizations may choose to join annually scheduled public cleanups or request their own private Trust-led project. We provide staff to plan and lead your project, provide all necessary supplies and PPE, such as trash bags and work gloves, and arrange to dispose of the trash afterward. All you need to do is get your group together and show up!

Family and Individual Volunteer Opportunities

What better way to spend your day than volunteering for the C&O Canal National Historical Park?  The Trust has many volunteer opportunities for families and individual volunteers. Families and individuals may choose become a Trust volunteer with self-led projects. Meaning that you and your family/small group are in control of how and where you volunteer.

Mar 17
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Williamsport Canal Community Days Registration

By Uncategorized
SSL hours are available

Media Release

Feb 26
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Great Falls Canal Community Days Registration

By Uncategorized
SSL hours are available

Media Release

Feb 25
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Women’s History Presentation and Lockhouse 6 Tour Registration

By Uncategorized

Media Release

Sep 23
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Our Favorite Haunts

By Uncategorized

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

Aug 29
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Canal Community Story- Tymber Compher

By Canal Community Story, Uncategorized

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!

Tell Us Your Canal Story



Tymber Compher- Canal Community Story

Read more Canal Community Stories here.

Jul 12
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Registration Form for Frederick County Canal Community Days – August 24, 2024

By Uncategorized
SSL hours are available
Jun 25
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Paw Paw Tunnel Hike Registration

By Uncategorized
Mar 06
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Bench Inquiry Form

By Uncategorized
Bench Inquiry Form
If interested in sponsoring a bench in the C&O Canal NHP, please fill out the form below.
Feb 09
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Alice Ferguson Foundation’s Potomac Watershed Cleanup Registration

By Uncategorized
SSL hours are available
Jan 30
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Canal Community Story- Linda Lander

By Canal Community Story, Uncategorized

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!

Tell Us Your Canal Story



Linda Lander- Canal Community Story

Read more Canal Community Stories here.

Jan 29
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English Ivy Removal Project at Rileys Lock Registration

By Uncategorized
SSL hours are available
Jan 24
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Civilian Conservation Corps History Hike Registration

By Uncategorized
Dec 19
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Canal Community Story- Neil Wittmer

By Canal Community Story, Uncategorized

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!

Tell Us Your Canal Story

Nov 28
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Canal Community Story- Chris Craig

By Canal Community Story, Uncategorized

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!

Tell Us Your Canal Story

Aug 27
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Welcoming Fall in the C&O Canal National Historical Park

By Uncategorized

Canal Gold by MJ Clingan

Nestled along the Potomac River, the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) is the perfect place to witness the beauty of nature’s transition into fall. As summer’s warmth gradually gives way to cooler breezes and the days grow shorter, the lush greenery that defines the landscape of the Park begins its shift into a breathtaking display of autumn colors. Once adorned in verdant hues, the trees that line the canal prepare to don their seasonal attire of gold, red, and orange. According to the Farmer’s Almanac’s 2023 fall leaves and peak color forecast, inland parts of Maryland will enjoy peak fall color from October 12-28. 

Autumn on the Towpath at Milepost 20 by Keld Wichmann Moeller

Predicting the timing and intensity of fall foliage can be like forecasting the weather – it’s a mix of science and art. Several key factors include rainfall, temperature, daylight duration, and the mix of tree species in the Park. As the days shorten and temperatures begin to cool, the trees respond by producing vibrant pigments that create the iconic reds, oranges, and yellows that define the fall season. A gradual transition from summer to fall, with moderate temperatures and adequate rainfall, yields more vibrant and prolonged displays. A sudden frost or heavy rain, on the other hand, can result in leaves dropping prematurely, impacting the overall experience.

 

If you’re planning to witness the fall color extravaganza in the C&O Canal NHP, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:

  1. Plan Ahead: Monitor local weather forecasts and current Park conditions to gauge the best time for your visit. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources provides a weekly fall foliage report you can subscribe to via e-mail.

  2. Bring the Essentials: Wear comfortable walking shoes, be sure to have warm layers, and bring your camera or phone to capture the breathtaking scenery.

  3. Weekday Advantage: Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the Park’s tranquility.

  4. The Towpath and Beyond: The towpath offers a picturesque route for observing the foliage. You can opt for a leisurely stroll, a bike ride, or even a peaceful afternoon picnic. Don’t forget other hiking and walking trails in the Park, like the Billy Goat C Trail and Gold Mine Trail, as well as the beauty found in our Canal Towns during the fall.

  5. Embrace the Serenity: While vibrant colors steal the show, be sure to take in the serene atmosphere and the beauty of nature as summer turns to fall. Engage your senses in this beautiful season and be present in the moment.

Autumn Morning on the Canal by Suzanne Lugerner

As autumn unfolds in the Park, it brings with it the promise of a breathtaking symphony of colors. While we can’t predict nature’s exact timing and intensity, the conditions seem favorable for a memorable fall foliage season in 2023. So, mark your calendars, prepare your camera, and embark on a journey to witness the splendid transformation that only nature can orchestrate.

Jul 07
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Volunteer for the Dogs Day of Summer Music Fest

By Uncategorized

Thank you for volunteering with the C&O Canal Trust for the “Dog Days of Summer” music fest on Saturday, July 22nd presented by Cushwa Brewing and Interchange Tiki Bar & Brewery in conjunction with the C&O Canal Trust. The Trust will receive a portion of the proceeds to help our mission to preserve and protect the Historic C&O Canal National Historic Park.

Note: The volunteer event runs from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m..
SSL hours are available. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
May 27
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Canal Community Story- Ed Zahniser

By Canal Community Story, Uncategorized

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!

Canal Community Story: Ed Zahniser

Ed Zahniser- Canal Story

Apr 17
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Explore the C&O Canal’s TRACK Trails

By Explore Your Park, Nature, Planning Your Visit, Things to Do, Uncategorized

What is TRACK Trails?

TRACK Trails is an award-winning program by Kids in Parks that offers family-friendly outdoor adventures. By following the self-guided brochures and signs, your visit to the park becomes a fun and educational adventure. As you track your progress, you become eligible for prizes.

How does it work?

TRACK Trail in Hancock by Trust Staff

Start by going to the Kids in Parks TRACK Trail website and search your area on the map to find an adventure near you. Once you find a location, you can browse the adventures on the map under Find An Adventure. Sometimes TRACK Trail brochures are located at the park or attached to a TRACK Trail sign, but you can always access them on the Kids in Parks website.

TRACK Trail adventures exist at three locations in the C&O Canal National Historical Park—Brunswick, Williamsport, and Hancock. For example, in Williamsport there are four different adventures: Conococheague Aqueduct Scavenger Hunt, Lock 44 Scavenger Hunt, Nature’s Hide & Seek, and Need for Trees. Many of the nature-based adventures are general enough they could be used throughout the Park.

After completing tasks, you can track them on your device to receive TRACKer gear. Different TRACK Trail adventures have different gear awarded, such as stickers and cards for hiking trails, disks for the disk golf courses, or bike bells and first aid kits for the bike trails, and more. The more adventures you complete, the cooler gear you get. You can see a full list of gear rewards here!

How did Kids in Parks and TRACK Trails come about?

Photo by Trust Staff

Kids in Parks began in 2009 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, developed by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. As the program demonstrated easy implementation and effectiveness in getting children outdoors, Kids in Parks rapidly expanded to other parks and public lands across the country. Achievements of the program include endorsements by the American Academy of Pediatrics, awarded as a Let’s Move! Champion of Change by the White House, and acknowledgement for Outstanding Public Engagement by the Public Lands Alliance.

Mar 01
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Sign up for TowpathGo 2023!

By Uncategorized
Feb 28
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President and CEO Robin Zanotti Reflects on Career and Retirement

By Uncategorized

 

Robin Zanotti Leading the Mules by Trust Staff

After nearly eight years leading the C&O Canal Trust and a 40-year career in fundraising and nonprofit executive leadership, President and CEO Robin Zanotti is retiring on March 31, 2023.  We asked Robin to reflect on her time at the Trust, and share her plans for the next chapter of her life.

What brought you to the C&O Canal Trust?
My career has been spent exclusively in service to nonprofits. I have received the most joy from my work when I engaged with volunteers and donors with whom I shared a passion for the mission of the organization. When I was asked to consider this position, it didn’t take me long to realize how gratifying it could be. I already loved the park and could easily commit to using my experience to maximize support for it.

Additionally, it is a rare opportunity for the lead fundraiser, my usual role, to become the president and CEO. The Trust’s board of directors was looking to stabilize the organization’s finances, and it was clear that my fundraising skills could be of benefit to the Trust. It sounded like a great opportunity for me.

What has been your greatest challenge at the Trust?
When I became president at the Trust, it was during a period of transition. The organization needed a steady hand, but at the same time, fundraising had to be a top priority. We had a small but strong, dedicated staff who were eager to move forward as a team and willingly embraced me as their leader. Our board was just as dedicated and ready to put its energy into moving the Trust forward. It took some time to get everything aligned for forward momentum, and those early months were a bit unnerving.

What has been your greatest achievement at the Trust?
I can point to a number of programs and projects that I’m extremely proud of. I was grateful to work with very talented staff and generous donors to help make them possible. In a more macro sense, the steady growth of the organization, and what that has meant to the support of the C&O Canal, would have to be my greatest achievement, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. We still managed to double in size during the last eight years, which means more eager and motivated staff are working diligently each day to achieve our mission to preserve and protect the park. Having doubled our budget means that charitable support has doubled, in effect putting to work the generous gifts of a growing number of donors, many of whom have deepened their commitment. For a woman with a fundraising career and commitment to mission, it doesn’t get any better than that!

Is there anything you’d do differently?
Gosh, for what was essentially a fledgling organization at the time I arrived, there were plenty of things I could have done differently. There weren’t enough of us to go around to do all that was needed. I prioritized mission, investing in and supporting staff, and engaging donors and volunteers in as many ways as I could. I wouldn’t change any of that. 

What will you miss the most?
People. Always the people. Being with like-minded park lovers is a reward unto itself. 

While I’ll miss the daily commitment to supporting the park, I certainly won’t miss the park. I intend to take with me the deeper appreciation I developed as a result of these eight years and enjoy the park with the satisfaction of knowing I had a role in its preservation.

Swains Lockhouse by Josh Bowers

Do you have a favorite spot or favorite memory in the Park?
My lockhouse visits were special experiences. I especially liked the early morning walks in what felt to me like my very own piece of the park. Staying at Swains Lockhouse might be one of my favorite memories. My husband and I were the first to stay overnight after we helped rehabilitate it and added it to the Canal Quarters program. We were ‘kicking the tires’ and learning what our guests would experience to be sure it was really ready. I felt so much pride for the Swain family, the National Park Service, and generations of visitors – past, present, and future. Together, we preserved a very special part of the history of the C&O Canal. I definitely had a moment.

What do you hope for the future of the Trust?
I haven’t yet mentioned the Trust’s relationship with the National Park Service. I wish for a long, healthy partnership based on mutual trust and earnest goodwill. It has been with this approach that the Trust has flourished and been able to enhance its support of the Park. There is so much more to do, and it will all be within the construct of this mutually supportive relationship.

What’s next for you in retirement?
I’ve purposefully decided to craft my retirement years as they present themselves, at least initially. I have some vague notions about travel and more time spent with family. There are many books to be read and parks to be explored. I plan to take some time to enjoy the freedom while sketching out a fulfilling plan.

Park After Dark 2022 by Turner Photography Studio

Anything else you’d like to share?
I cannot imagine a better way to cap off my career than with the work I’ve done here at the C&O Canal Trust. The board of directors graced me with their support, provided me with the latitude to run the organization, and were my soulmates in crafting a strategy for developing the organization into a high-performing partner for the National Park Service. I’ve worked with two amazing park superintendents who were also willing partners. It’s with a fair amount of satisfaction that I leave this work and these important relationships to my successor. All best wishes to Lauren Riviello and everyone at the Trust and the National Park Service. See you on the towpath!

 

Jan 19
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C&O Canal Trust Board of Directors Names Lauren Riviello as New President and CEO

By News, Uncategorized

Lauren Riviello by Trust Staff

Williamsport, Md. – The C&O Canal Trust’s board of directors is pleased to announce it has named Lauren Riviello as its new president and CEO. Riviello has more than a decade of nonprofit leadership experience and is deeply passionate about the Trust and its mission. She has served as the Trust’s director of development since February 2021 and will assume the role of president and CEO on April 1, 2023. Read More

Feb 25
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May 7 Canal Community Days in Frederick County

By Uncategorized
SSL hours are available
Feb 25
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April 23 at Great Falls – Painting

By Uncategorized
SSL hours are available
Feb 25
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April 23 at Great Falls – Trash Cleanup

By Uncategorized
SSL hours are available
Feb 15
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School and Youth Organization Volunteer Opportunities Interest Form

By Uncategorized

Thank you for your interest in partnering with the C&O Canal Trust. Our team will review your inquiry, and you can expect to hear from us within one week.

Mar 30
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TowpathGO 2022 Registration

By Uncategorized

 

Questions?

Please contact Tymber Compher at 240-202-2625, x 107 or [email protected].

 

Jul 27
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Paw Paw Tunnel

C&O Canal: Western Region Highlights

By Uncategorized
Paw Paw Tunnel by Garner Woodall

Paw Paw Tunnel by Garner Woodall

The western section of the C&O Canal National Historical Park begins in Hancock (mile marker 124.0) and travels through the mountains of Maryland in Washington and Allegany Counties to Cumberland (mile marker 184.5). This section of the park is very rural, with beautiful vistas and woody retreats. In Cumberland, the C&O Canal ends, but joins the Great Allegheny Passage, which travels to Pittsburgh, PA. View a video about the western end of the C&O Canal, part of the C&O Canal Scenic Byway, here.

You can also copy this itinerary into our C&O Canal Itinerary Builder here.

Walk or Ride the Towpath

The towpath is the spine of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The C&O Canal was built in the mid-nineteenth century as a transportation route to bring goods from the Ohio river valley to eastern markets. (Learn more about the canal’s history here.) The canal boats were towed up and down the canal by mules on a path that ran beside the canal basin — hence the term “towpath.” Today, the towpath is a 184.5 mile long recreational path ideal for bikers and hikers due to its flat nature with very little incline. It is the main path to take while you explore the Park.

Visit the Paw Paw Tunnel

One of the engineering marvels of the C&O Canal, the Paw Paw Tunnel is almost exactly 6/10ths of a mile long and is constructed of almost 6 million bricks. It cut 6 miles off the length of the Canal, by tunneling through a mountain. The alternative to building the Tunnel was to make the Canal follow two of the Paw Paw Bends, a twisting 6-mile long section of the Potomac River. Be sure to take a flashlight if you journey through the tunnel — it’s dark in there!

Biking the Towpath

Biking the Towpath

by Chris Hanessian

Paw Paw Tunnel

Paw Paw Tunnel

by Garner Woodall

Marvel at Historic Aqueducts

Four of the Park’s eleven aqueducts stand along the C&O Canal in the western region – some of the most impressive of the canal structures that stand today. Aqueducts transported the canal over streams and tributaries. The aqueducts are all different – the stone they were constructed with varies, including red sandstone, grey limestone, white granite, white and pink quartzite. They stand testament to the engineering ingenuity and devoted labor that went into the canal’s construction and the important role it played in the growth of our country. The Sideling Hill, Fifteenmile Creek, Town Creek, and Evitts Creek Aqueducts stand in the western region of the Park.

Visit the C&O Canal Museum at Cumberland

Housed in the historic 1913 Western Maryland Railway Station, the C&O Canal Visitors Museum provides a hands-on way to experience the history of the C&O Canal. Featuring an exhibit area with interactive and educational displays about the history of the C&O Canal and Cumberland, visitors can explore a model of the Paw Paw Tunnel to learn about the day-to-day life of the canal families and glimpse the entrance of a coal mine to learn about the main product shipped along the canal. Exhibits are on view of a model lock, boatbuilding, and Cumberland as a transportation crossroads. Children will enjoy several interactive exhibits – most notably Mutt the mule.

Cumberland Visitor Center

Cumberland Visitor Center

by Jan Branscome

Fifteenmile Creek Aqueduct

Fifteenmile Creek Aqueduct

by Paul Graunke

Explore Canal Towns

The western section features three Canal Towns, each a unique stop full of quaint shops and eateries, and a storied past with a direct link to the C&O Canal. Don’t miss Hancock (mile marker 124.0), Paw Paw (mile marker 156.1), and Cumberland (mile marker 184.5).

Visit the Green Ridge State Forest

Directly adjacent to the canal for nearly 18 miles is Green Ridge State Forest. At 47,560 acres, Green Ridge is the largest contiguous block of public land in Maryland – offering 50 miles of hiking trails and 200 miles of both dirt and gravel roads through the forest. Today, visitors have an array of entertainment options: hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, etc. Abundant wildlife in the state forest include deer, turkey, black bear, and unusual plants.

Cumberland

Cumberland

by Blake Divilbiss

Hancock

Hancock

by Sam Judge

Get Active

The C&O Canal National Historical Park offers four seasons of outdoor recreation opportunities! Nestled along the Potomac River, you can hike, bike, fish, climb, camp, paddle, boat, ride horses, and more. Ride bikes on the smooth surface of the Western Maryland Rail Trail or ride all the way to Pittsburgh on the Great Allegheny Passage.

Have the Full C&O Canal Experience

The C&O Canal is surrounded by dozens of unique heritage, cultural, and recreational opportunities! You can visit one of our ten Canal Towns, drive the C&O Canal Byway, or explore the history that is part of the Passages of the Western Potomac Heritage Area. The western region of the C&O Canal runs through Washington and Allegany Counties, so be sure to check out these tourism websites for more to do in the area.

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Jul 24
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Cushwa Basin

C&O Canal: Central Region Highlights

By Uncategorized
Cushwa Basin in Williamsport

Cushwa Basin in Williamsport by John Gensor

The central section of the C&O Canal National Historical Park begins in Brunswick (mile marker 55.0) in Frederick County and runs through the beautiful Piedmont portion of Maryland to Washington County‘s Hancock (mile marker 124.0). This area is rich in Civil War history, features several towns that were built around the canal, and offers countless scenic vistas.

You can also copy this itinerary into our C&O Canal Itinerary Builder here.

Walk or Ride the Towpath

The towpath is the spine of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The C&O Canal was built in the mid-nineteenth century as a transportation route to bring goods from the Ohio river valley to eastern markets. The canal boats were towed up and down the canal by mules on a path that ran beside the canal basin — hence the term “towpath.” Today, the towpath is a 184.5 mile long recreational path ideal for bikers and hikers due to its flat nature with very little incline. It is the main path to take while you explore the Park.

Visit Williamsport and the Cushwa Basin

The Cushwa Basin, located in Williamsport, MD, is situated at the confluence of the Conococheague Creek and the Potomac River. A popular entry point to the C&O Canal towpath, there is a National Park Service Visitor Center located here, in the historic Cushwa Warehouse beside the basin. The neighboring Conococheague Aqueduct was rebuilt in 2019, and visitors can take a boat ride over the aqueduct, past Lockhouse 44, through a lock, and under the Railroad Lift Bridge. This historic area was once the home of brick manufacturing and shipment of coal along the Canal — canal boats would use the turning basin to load coal and bricks  on their trips between Cumberland and Georgetown.

Stay in an Historic Lockhouse

Lockhouse 49 in Clear Spring has been rehabilitated, furnished with period décor, and opened for overnight stays. The Canal Quarters program, run by the C&O Canal Trust, allows guests the unique opportunity to step back in time and live life as the lock keepers once did. Six more Canal Quarters lockhouses are available in the eastern region. Learn more and book a stay here.

Lockhouse 49 in Clear Spring

Lockhouse 49 in Clear Spring

by MJ Clingan

Cushwa Basin

Cushwa Basin

by John Gensor

Marvel at Historic Aqueducts

Four of the Park’s eleven aqueducts stand along the C&O Canal in the central region – some of the most impressive of the canal structures that stand today. Aqueducts transported the canal over streams and tributaries. The aqueducts are all different – the stone they were constructed with varies, including red sandstone, grey limestone, white granite, white and pink quartzite. They stand testament to the engineering ingenuity and devoted labor that went into the canal’s construction and the important role it played in the growth of our country. The Antietam, Conococheague, Licking Creek, and Tonoloway Aqueducts stand in the central region of the Park.

Walk in the Footsteps of Civil War Soldiers

This section of the canal and the area surrounding it is hallowed ground, having seen multiple Civil War battles. Visit Harpers Ferry National Historical Park to learn about John Brown’s Raid and Antietam National Battlefield, site of the bloodiest day in American history.

Conococheague Aqueduct

Conococheague Aqueduct

by MJ Clingan

Antietam Battlefield

Antietam Battlefield

by Amy Allen

Explore Canal Towns

The central section features several Canal Towns, each a unique stop full of quaint shops and eateries, and a storied past with a direct link to the C&O Canal. Don’t miss Brunswick (mile marker 55.0), Harpers Ferry and Bolivar (mile marker 60.7), Shepherdstown (mile marker 72.7), Sharpsburg (mile marker 76.5), Williamsport (mile marker 99.4), and Hancock (mile marker 124.0).

Visit Iconic Canal Landmarks

Besides the Cushwa Basin and Conococheague Aqeuduct in Williamsport, this section features Dam 4 and Dam 5, which harness the Potomac River for its power, the Ferry Hill historic home, and Big Slackwater, a cement portion of towpath that sweeps along the Potomac, providing scenic water views.

Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry

by David McMasters

Ferry Hill

Ferry Hill

by Amy Allen

Get Active

The C&O Canal National Historical Park offers four seasons of outdoor recreation opportunities! Nestled along the Potomac River, you can hike, bike, fish, climb, camp, paddle, boat, ride horses, and more. The Appalachian Trail, which runs from Maine to Georgia, intersects with the C&O Canal from Lock 31 at Weverton (mile marker 58.0) to Harpers Ferry (mile marker 60.7).

Have the Full C&O Canal Experience

The C&O Canal is surrounded by dozens of unique heritage, cultural, and recreational opportunities! You can visit one of our ten Canal Towns, drive the C&O Canal Byway, or explore the history that is part of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area. The central region of the C&O Canal runs through Frederick and Washington Counties, so be sure to check out these tourism websites for more to do in the area.

Hikers on the Towpath

Hikers on the Towpath

by Jim Kirby

Kayakers on the Canal

Kayakers on the Canal

by Michael C. Mitchell

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Jul 16
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Great Falls Tavern

C&O Canal: Eastern Region Highlights

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Great Falls Tavern

Great Falls Tavern by Michael C. Mitchell

There is a lot to explore in the eastern region of the canal, which begins in urban Georgetown in Washington DC (mile marker 0.0) and runs through the suburbs of Montgomery County. As you move farther west towards Frederick County, the area surrounding the Park becomes more rural. It ends in Brunswick (mile marker 55.0).

You can also copy this itinerary into our C&O Canal Itinerary Builder here.

Walk or Ride the Towpath

The towpath is the spine of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The C&O Canal was built in the mid-nineteenth century as a transportation route to bring goods from the Ohio river valley to eastern markets. The canal boats were towed up and down the canal by mules on a path that ran beside the canal basin — hence the term “towpath.” Today, the towpath is a 184.5 mile long recreational path ideal for bikers and hikers due to its flat nature with very little incline. It is the main path to take while you explore the Park.

Visit the Great Falls Area and Ride a Mule-Drawn Canal Boat

Arguably the most popular part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, the Great Falls Area offers hiking trails, scenic overlooks of the powerful Potomac River thundering through the rocky “Great Falls,” a visitor center in a historic tavern, and the opportunity to ride a mule-drawn canal boat through a working lock (returning in 2022).

Riding the Towpath

Riding the towpath

by Jeannine Brewer

Charles F. Mercer Canal Boat

Charles F. Mercer Canal Boat

by Roy Sewall

Stay in an Historic Lockhouse

Six historic lockhouses in the eastern region have been rehabilitated, furnished with period décor, and opened for overnight stays. The Canal Quarters program, run by the C&O Canal Trust, allows guests the unique opportunity to step back in time and live life as the lock keepers once did. A seventh Canal Quarters lockhouse is available in the central region. Learn more and book a stay here.

Hike the Billy Goat Trails

The three Billy Goat Trails  are some of the most popular hiking trails in the area. All start and end on the towpath and include rock scrambling and scenic views. As of 2020, Billy Goat Trail B has been closed due to trail damage, but A and C are open for your enjoyment.

View from the Billy Goat Trail

View from the Billy Goat Trail

by Roy Sewall

Great Falls Tavern

Great Falls Tavern

by Michael C. Mitchell

Marvel at Historic Aqueducts

Three of the Park’s eleven aqueducts stand along the C&O Canal in the eastern region – some of the most impressive of the canal structures that stand today. Aqueducts transported the canal over streams and tributaries. The aqueducts are all different – the stone they were constructed with varies, including red sandstone, grey limestone, white granite, white and pink quartzite. They stand testament to the engineering ingenuity and devoted labor that went into the canal’s construction and the important role it played in the growth of our country. The Alexandria, Seneca, Monocacy, and Catoctin Aqueducts stand in the eastern region of the Park.

Have the Full C&O Canal Experience

The C&O Canal is surrounded by dozens of unique heritage, cultural, and recreational opportunities! You can visit one of our ten Canal Towns, drive the C&O Canal Byway, or explore the history that is part of the Heritage Montgomery and Heart of the Civil War Heritage Areas. The eastern region of the C&O Canal runs through Washington DC, Montgomery and Frederick Counties, so be sure to check out these tourism websites for more to do in the area.

Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry

by David McMasters

Conococheague Aqueduct

Conococheague Aqueduct

by MJ Clingan

Apr 23
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Towpath From Swains Lock to Edwards Ferry to be Resurfaced in 2020

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‘Resurfaced Towpath’ by Simon Barber

Thanks to the funding support of private donors to the C&O Canal Trust, along with funds from the National Park Service and the State of Maryland, resurfacing crews continue their march up the towpath. As of this spring, 42 miles of the C&O Canal’s towpath between Edwards Ferry and Lock 38/Shepherdstown Bridge have been graded and resurfaced. The Park anticipates a further 14 miles from Swains Lock to Edwards Ferry to be completed by the end of 2020.

The work is part of the “Towpath Rehabilitation: A Safe Towpath” project, aimed at improving more than 80 miles of the 184.5 mile-long towpath by removing the rocks, roots, and ruts in the towpath surface that can be dangerous to cyclists and hikers. “Nearly 5 million visitors recreate along the C&O Canal each year and nearly all of them use the towpath for a variety of activities,” Superintendent Tina Cappetta said. “We want to ensure that our visitors have a safe, durable towpath for years to come.”

Besides removing obstacles from the towpath, the resurfacing work is also removing the grassy median strip that contributes to puddling. Crews are then grading the towpath to facilitate water runoff and resurfacing it with the same crushed stone dust that is used on the Great Allegheny Passage, the rail trail that connects to the C&O Canal towpath in Cumberland, MD, and runs to Pittsburgh, PA.

The current towpath surface is gravel over clay, which holds water and is prone to muddiness when wet. The new crushed stone dust does not retain water when applied to a properly graded surface and hardens with use, making it less likely to erode and rut. It is also easier to maintain over time.

The C&O Canal Trust has raised funds to support this work and engage an engineering consultant to provide technical expertise to the National Park Service for this project. We have also assisted with advocacy work to secure $1.14 million as of 2019 from Maryland’s Transportation Alternatives Program.

Apr 23
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REI Funds Up to $90,000 for Canal Pride

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REI Group Shot by Trust Staff

REI is well known as a retailer that sells quality gear to outdoor enthusiasts. What is less well known is that the Seattle-based co-op is also an industry leader in supporting organizations that provide stewardship for parks and public lands around the nation. Since 2012, as our premier Canal Pride sponsor, REI has contributed close to $90,000 to fund the work our Canal Pride volunteers do to improve access to the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s recreational assets. This generous support is driven by REI’s philosophy that a life outdoors is a life well-lived. For folks to enjoy that experience, they need places in nature that are welcoming and accessible, be they residents of city, suburbs, or country.

The C&O Canal Trust is the recipient of an REI “Place Grant” that funds projects to improve access to the Park’s great recreational assets.  With REI’s support, the Trust’s Canal Pride volunteers work each year to repair the towpath, provide paddlers with access to the Potomac River, improve popular trails like the Billy Goat Trail, and spruce up campgrounds and picnic areas. 

“With the 2019 visitation to the Park at a 30-year high of 5.1 million, this work is increasingly important,” said Trust President Robin Zanotti. “REI’s support helps ensure that today’s visitors have a great experience and choose to come back again and again.”

The co-op’s engagement in the Park extends beyond grant-making. Employees from REI’s local stores volunteer for Canal Pride and run a variety of programs in the Park such as climbing classes at Carderock and sunset hikes along the towpath and other trails. As the effects of climate change become more apparent, REI believes that getting people outdoors is an important part of the solution. Since 2014, the co-op has closed its stores nationwide on Black Friday to encourage Americans to use that day to enjoy nature rather than hit the shopping mall. “On average, people spend 95 percent of their time indoors,” said Naz Ahmed, Experiences and Philanthropy Manager for REI Mid-Atlantic. “They are facing a nature deficit and that impacts our ability to combat climate change. As the naturalist David Attenborough once said, ‘No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they haven’t experienced.'” In partnership with REI, the Trust is working to overcome that deficit.

Apr 16
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C&O Canal Crossword Solution

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Take the C&O Canal crossword puzzle here or download a PDF.

Read on when you are ready to read the solutions.

    1. The C&O Canal is run by the ______

Answer: National Park Service

The National Park Service runs 419 units including battlefields, monuments, historical parks, parkways, scenic trails and more.

2. A National Scenic Trail that intersects with the C&O Canal (abbreviation)

Answer: AT

The Appalachian Trail or AT, is a National Scenic Trail that runs from Georgia to Maine. Harpers Ferry is considered the midpoint of the trail. The AT intersects with the C&O Canal outside of Harpers Ferry, runs for 2.6 miles along the towpath and diverges at Lock 31.

  1. Animal seen sunning on a rock

Answer: Turtle

  1. Something canal boats transported

Answer: Coal

The canal transported coal, flour, iron, and limestone products. Learn more about what the canal and railroad transported here.

  1. Where a lock keeper lived

Answer: Lockhouse

The men, women, and families that operated the locks lived in nearby lockhouses.

  1. River that runs alongside the Canal

Answer: Potomac

  1. National Historical Park that intersects with the C&O Canal

Answer: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Canal visitors can access Harpers Ferry at mile marker 60.7. Harpers Ferry NHP interprets the story of John Brown’s Raid, an unsuccessful attempt to start a slave revolt in 1859 that was a precursor to the Civil War.

  1. Transportation system that raced to be completed before the canal

Answer: Railroad

Learn more about the race between the C&O Canal and the B&O railroad here.

  1. Animals pulling canal boats walked on the ______

Answer: Towpath

Mules towed canal boats on the path next to the canal, giving it the name “towpath”.

  1. A tunnel and fruit found in the Park

Answer: Paw Paw

The Paw Paw Tunnel is located near Oldtown Maryland. Pawpaw is a native tree in the Park that produces the pawpaw fruit.

  1. Supreme Court Justice who walked to help save the canal

Answer: Douglas

Justice William O Douglas advocated for preserving the canal instead of turning it into a parkway. He walked the length of the canal with nine editors from the Washington Post.

  1. Animal used to move canal boats

Answer: Mule

Today you can meet the mules of the C&O Canal.

  1. Family that lived in Lockhouse 21

Answer: Swain

Lockhouse 21 or ‘Swains’ was rehabilitated in 2019 and is available for overnight stays. Generations of Swains lived in Lockhouse 21 for 99 years, including current C&O Canal Trust board member Bert Swain.

  1. There are 36 ______ sites along the C&O Canal

Answer: Camp

There are 31 rustics hiker-biker campsites and five drive-in campsites in the Park.

  1. Terminus of the C&O Canal

Answer: Cumberland

Although the Canal Company planned to continue on to Pittsburgh, financial troubles and the superiority of the railroad contributed to the canal ending in Cumberland. Cumberland is now a member of the Canal Town Partnership and is where the C&O Canal meets the Great Allegheny Passage.

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