Maryland Chesapeake-Ohio Canal National Historical Park map and highlights

Chesapeake  & Ohio Canal National Historical Park guide. Detailed guide of  Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.     

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park on the map.     

Parallels 185 mi of Potomac River from Georgetown, in Washington, DC, to Cumberland, Maryland.     

This waterway, built between 1828 and 1850 and used until 1924,  preserves the history of the C&O Canal and its related structures.  The river system s 74 lift locks raise the boats from near sea level to  an elevation of 605 feet, providing quiet waters for several short and  widely separated stretches perfect for canoeists, kayakers, and anglers.  Its towpath offers a nearly level byway for hikers and bicyclists. The  canal was established as a national historical park on January 8, 1971.     

WHAT TO SEE & DO     

Biking (rentals in Cumberland, MD, Harpers Ferry, and  Washington, DC), boating and canoeing (rentals in Cumberland, Harpers  Ferry, and Washington, DC), hiking, picnicking, viewing falls in  Potomac, MD. Facilities: 6 visitor centers with interpretive displays:  Georgetown (Washington, DC), Brunswick, Great Falls Tavern,  Williamsport, Hancock, and Cumberland, MD; outdoor interpretive  exhibits. Covered picnic tables. Programs & Events: Ranger walks and  talks. Replica canal boats at Georgetown (late Apr-early Nov.). C&O  CanalFest in Cumberland, MD (July or Aug.), C&O Canal Days in  Williamsport, MD (3rd weekend, Aug.), Canal-Apple Days in Hancock, MD  (mid-Sept.), Brunswick Railroad Days (early Oct.). Tips & Hints:  Avoid towpath after heavy rains. Busiest June-Aug., least crowded Jan.  and Feb.     

FOOD & LODGING     

fik Camping: 6 campgrounds ($10; pit toilets) in the park:  Antietam Creek (mile 69; 20 sites), Fifteen Mile Creek (mile 140.9; 10  sites), McCoys Ferry (mile 110.4; 14 sites), Paw Paw (mile 156.1; 8  sites), Spring Gap (mile 173.3; 21 sites), Marsden Tract (mile 11.5;  group campsite; $20; permit required). 30 primitive campsites (free)  located along the canal approximately every 5-7 mi from Swains Lock  (mile 16.6) to Evitts Creek (mile 180.1). In Flintstone: Rocky Gap State  Park (12500 Pleasant Valley Rd. NE, tel. 888/432-2267 reservations;  301/777-2138 campground; 278 sites; $23-$28; flush toilets, showers,  hook-ups). IS Hotels: None in park. In Cumberland: Holiday Inn (100 S.  George St., tel. 301/724-8800; 130 rooms; $109-$159). X Restaurants: In  the park: snack bar at Great Falls, MD. In Cumberland: Kramers Deli (13  Canal St., tel. 301/722-8003; $7-$9; closed Sun.).     

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS     

Entrance fee: $5 per car (Great Falls only), $3 for bicyclists  and hikers. Canal boat (tel. 202/653-5190): $8 adults, $6 ages 62 and  over, $5 ages 4-14, free ages 3 and under. Reservations available for  Carderock picnic pavilion. Maryland or Washington, DC, fishing license  required. No gas-powered boats in park. Electric motors allowed in Rig  Pool, Little Pool, and canal waters from Lock 68 to Town Creek. No  motorized vehicles, mopeds, or trail bikes on towpath. Rike riding on  towpaths only. Leashed pets only. No hunting. Towpath open daily  dawn-dusk. Georgetown Visitor Center open June-Aug., Wed.-Sun. 9:30-5.  Great Falls Visitor Center open daily 9-4:45. Rrunswick Visitor Center  open Thurs.-Fri. 10-2, Sat. 10-4, Sun. 1-4. Williamsport Visitor Center  open Wed.-Sun. 9-4:30. Hancock Visitor Center open Fri.-Tues. 9-4:30.  Cumberland Visitor Center open daily 9-5.     

HOW TO GET THERE     

From Cumberland: 1-68 to Hancock, then 1-70 to Frederick, then  I-270 to Capital Reltway (1-495). Take Exit 41, Clara Rarton Pkwy. west.   

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park guide.  Detailed guide of Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park