The canal was constructed to compete with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad for trans-Appalachian trade.
The Paw Paw Tunnel, located in the western section of the park, is 3,118 feet long and was carved through a mountain to avoid a five-mile bend in the Potomac River.
Canal boats were traditionally pulled by teams of mules walking along the towpath.
During its operational peak, the canal transported over 850,000 tons of coal annually.
The canal was designated a National Historical Park in 1971 after a successful campaign led by Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas.
The park contains 74 original lift locks that raised and lowered boats 605 feet in total elevation over the canal's length.
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park preserves the 184.5-mile towpath and waterway that operated from 1831 to 1924 as a coal transportation route. The park encompasses the original canal, locks, lockhouses, and aqueducts stretching from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. Visitors access a continuous trail system used for hiking, cycling, and historical exploration. It features restored canal boats that provide interpretive historical tours at specific locations like Great Falls. The Potomac River remains adjacent to the path throughout its length, offering diverse riparian ecosystems. Extensive maintenance preserves the remaining lift locks and historical engineering structures. The park facilitates access to the Great Falls of the Potomac via established wooden walkways. It serves as a major recreational corridor managed by the National Park Service.
The wooden overlook at Great Falls providing a direct view of the cascading Potomac River.
Check local trail conditions before cycling, as some sections can become muddy or flooded after heavy rain.
Carry sufficient water, as potable water sources are limited between major visitor centers.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate uneven surfaces near the historical lock structures.
Attempting to traverse the entire 184.5-mile length in a single day or ignoring trail closure notices during spring flood seasons.
Canal boat rides are typically seasonal and weather-dependent; the towpath remains open year-round unless closed for maintenance or flood recovery.
Practice Leave No Trace principles; cyclists must yield to pedestrians on the towpath.
