Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park (C & O Canal)

Since 1971 the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal (C & O Canal) has been a national park, providing a great place to enjoy the outdoors in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. The C & O Canal National Historic Park has an interesting history dating back to the 18th century. The C & O Canal starts in Georgetown and stretches for 13 miles to Great Falls Park in Virginia.

At the Georgetown Visitor Center you can get a map and take a tour on foot, by bike or by mule-drawn boat.

Fletcher’s Boat House is a great gathering spot with lots of activities. It is one of the best places in the area to bike, walk, jog or rollerblade. From here you can follow the canal towpath, which is a gravel trail or you can veer off on the paved Capital Crescent Trail. There is a large picnic area with clean bathrooms here. You can rent a rowboat, canoe or a bike.

Chain Bridge was built to let cattle across the Potomac. The Virginia side of the bridge is known for good fishing. You may catch shad, perch, catfish, striped bass or other freshwater fish.

Glen Echo Park was originally an amusement park. Today, the park has a children’s museum, two children’s theatres, art galleries, demonstrations and workshops. You can still take a ride on the 1921 carousel. The park recently restored a ballroom and offers dancing each weekend.

Clara Barton National Historic Site is a memorial to the founder of the American Red Cross. The historic home sits adjacent to Glen Echo Park and has been restored as a museum. Free tours are given daily.

Great Falls Tavern, on the Maryland side of the canal, is no longer an operating restaurant, but displays a pictorial history of the canal. Mule-drawn boat rides begin here.

On the Virginia side of the canal, Great Falls Park is a favorite spot for picnicking, hiking and viewing the beautiful rapids.

See Photos of the C & O Canal