Towpath Resurfacing
Folks walking and biking along the 92+ miles of towpath between Violettes Lock and Big Slackwater, as well as the Western Maryland Rail Trail Towpath Connector and Paw Paw Tunnel to Spring Gap, are enjoying a whole new experience – gone are the rocks, roots, and ruts, gone the erosion and washouts, gone the deep muddy wallows. Instead, a smooth, firm resurfaced towpath carries visitors safely and trouble-free along the C&O Canal. One delighted user described the new surface as “a revelation.”
Make a Donation
2017 marked the first year of the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s multi-year project to comprehensively resurface towpath miles identified as in most need of rehabilitation. 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 work. You can help keep the momentum going by making a donation to our Towpath Resurfacing Campaign.
Advocate
You can also support the Trust’s advocacy campaign on behalf of the Park’s application for funding from the Maryland State Highway Administration’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). Grassroots advocacy from canal enthusiasts has helped the Park secure over $6.5 million in funding from TAP for towpath resurfacing over seven years.
For more information about the Towpath Resurfacing project, visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
Top image by Emily Elisabeth
