• Historic Shot of Canal Boat on the Canal

    Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

    National Historical Park DC,MD,WV

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  • Boat Rides at Great Falls

    Due to fluctuating water conditions, we cannot guarantee each ride scheduled. Please call 301-767-3714 to confirm the schedule for the day. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

  • Towpath at Big Slackwater OPEN

    As of September 22, 2012 the towpath is now open in the area known as Big Slackwater (Mile 85.8-88.9). The road detour no longer needs to be used. Towpath access at McMahons Mill (mile 88.1) is still closed until further notice.

Social Networking Media

Stay connected and learn what is happening at the C&O Canal National Historical Park. We want to connect with you and keep you connected to us, by meeting you at the places you are currently at, and where you expect us to be. Learn more below.

Meet the Team

Wondering who is behind those initials you see in parenthesis after each post we share? To meet C&O Canal's Social Media Team, click here.

Twitter

Follow @candocanal on Twitter and receive updates on breaking news in the park, social events, and "what is happening now".

Facebook

It's nearly impossible to keep tabs on all of the events, places, and people within 184.5 miles, until now. The official C&O Canal National Historical Park Facebook page allows you to share your experiences with others and connect with park staff. Each week, we'll share park events, post photos and videos, engage in conversations, ask canal trivia questions, and tell you "what is happening now"!

Flickr

Are you looking for a picture of C&O Canal for your publication, school project, PowerPoint or next viral video? Go to our Flickr site and download public domain pictures for free. Please, however, credit the appropriate photographer and the National Park Service. We'll be adding images on a continual basis, so check often and feel free to leave comments there as well.

 

Did You Know?

Photo canal boat exiting lock 20.

Most freight boats on the C&O Canal were approximately 95 feet long and 14.5 feet wide while most locks were 100 feet long and 15 feet wide.  This left boat captains little margin for error as they steered their boats into the locks, trying to avoid the $5.00 fine for damaging lock masonry.