Reviews of Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (Park)

Dan Helfrich

The towpath is very rustic and enjoyable place to ride a bike with a friend. Early evening rides are populated with plenty of wildlife and punctuated with wonderful views of the river and rocky cliffs. With some history mixed in, the park …

William VanZee

This is a very interesting place. The staff at the visitors center was very helpful and also interesting. The C&O Canal towpath is very nice for riding bike or walking. The restored aqueduct is also very nice looking. If you are close by, …

ryan nicholson

Grate place to go with family love fishing and walking the c&o canal

unanimous decision

Can't go wrong here

Pyp Peters

Didn't go there so I don't know

Griffin B

Excellent place to walk and explore history.

Irene Snyderywo

Very peaceful. Relaxing. A nice walk or bicycle ride. You never know what you will see as you walk.

Lisa Ahern

There's a beautiful trail to walk or bike, and lock houses along the Canal. It's very pretty, great for pictures and along the Potomac River.

Lisa Campbell

Beautiful level trail along the Potomac River. Great for biking and hiking.

T M

Just impressive. Greetings from beautiful Germany.

Mitch bates

A nice walk or bike ride for families! A lot of history that helped build America as we know it!

Karen Brown

All visitors to the metro area should walk along the C&O and visit Great Falls Park across the Potomac. View the majestic falls from either side for an awe-inspiring experience. A beautiful natural place right in the city. For more solitude go out farther on the trail. A treat for walking or biking. Visit Carderock for climbing and the Billy Goat Trail for scrambling. Take your kayak to paddle.

Christal Block

Proud to witness an historic moment at the Conococheague Aqueduct Restoration Ribbon Cutting & Visitors Center and HQ Groundbreaking.

benicetomeok

Great place to see the Potomac and hike on over to see the Great Falls. Have a picnic and relax, and let that water pass under the bridge down stream.

Dave Wiseman

I love the tow path, but I'm afraid the long period of record wet weather has taken a bit of a toll on the path's condition. I'm a frequent visitor to the section near Point of Rocks and there is a growing number of spots that are draining poorly. Still though, such a valuable asset to the region. Look for the eagle's nest just north of the Maryland boat ramp at Point of Rocks, on the island in the river.

Stephanie DeHaven

Was late but the view was beautiful enough to turn around and take pics

Stephen Schwartz

Trail quality, for cycling, decreased greatly once north of Great Falls. Closer to the city, is a super easy ride.

Dani Becicka Betch'i'ka

Love to walk along the canal!

Richard Boly

Beautiful scenery, but trail maintenance could be better. I know weather takes a big toll on the trail, which unlike rail-to-trail routes, is not built on a defensive berm. Still, consistent potholes could be addressed with longer-term solutions. I have given up riding a touring bicycle along the route and bought an off-road bicycle. Awesome natural and historic views. Have yet to rent a lock house for the night, but will one day!

Shawn Paris

It was a beautiful day, beautiful environment and pleasant ride.

Steve M

Beautiful area great biking, hiking and walk the canal

Lisa Babcock

Great place to take the family to get some exercise.

Kelia Thomas

Nice walk today not to hot. Lots a people out enjoying life.

Garett Junkins

Very nice place to walk. Either with your friends and family or by yourself, the canal is a great place.

GJ

The GAP is sooooo much better. The National Park Service barely maintains this.

Austin Green

Gorgeous location along the Potomac. A piece of incredible history with roots dating back to Washington's quest to conquer the Potomac as a navigation route.

Don Costilow

Yeah it is great! We wandered around the old lock. No water in the part we were at. Dam #4.

Dale Spencer

Always a nice place to walk your dog take a bike ride have a picnic just enjoy nature.

Brandon Adawi

This is a great place to go running along as there is no competition with vehicles and the path is shaded.

Jennifer Herrmann

Many fun ways to explore the interesting history and pretty landscapes.

Lisa Jones

Love this trail very scenic and an easy walk to enjoy

Wendell McKee

I learned so much about who I am and found a real connection here...

Misery Moore

Always enjoy a beatiful walk on any part of the towpath. These pictures were taken at Spring Gap.

Chusa Silwimba

Great place to go for a hike, walk or bike ride. The bike path is well maintained and it’s conveniently located in between the C & O canal and the Potomac river. Cool breeze from the Potomac rIver and almost all of it under shade from the canopy of trees. The scenery is awesome all year round. Go out there and get some fresh air!

William Sheridan

This is painful if you ride a road bike. Very nice scenery and not crowded otherwise

Jim Ferrant

Wonderful wildflower walk in the spring. Spectacular native plants

Conan Shatzer

Did an overnighter started in Williamsport and rode to little pool campground outside of Hancock.

Howard le roux

Had a great 4 mile hike with the wife and dog

Martin Maldonado

Lots of history and happened to ride by in train with a couple of historians. Excellent place to visit!

Deb Harper

Very informative displays and photos along with the information provided by the park employees. Good walking/biking along the canal. Was a cool late afternoon November walk for us so we are looking forward to a return visit with a bit milder temps.

David Feuer

I've been going to C & O Canal NHP since I was a kid. It was awesome then, and it's still amazing now. The Billy Goat Trail is always a big hit, but lots of people only know about Section A, the most exciting but also the roughest of the three disconnected trail "sections". Sections B and C are beautiful as well, with peaceful river views and loads of pretty and interesting plants and animals. They are much more appropriate for a quick hike, for parents with small children, and for people with a limited capacity to scramble. The River Trail, just north of the Visitors' Center, is also worth a walk; it doesn't require any scrambling and it's lined with beautiful sycamores. Whichever canal-to-river trail(s) you hike, be sure to watch for birds on the canal segments of your trip. You'll usually spot at least one great blue heron, and you're likely to see ducks, black vultures, and others. In the warm months, look for turtles gathering on logs in the canal. The Gold Mine Loop trail system doesn't have the stunning river views of the Billy Goat Trail or the River Trail, so I recommend it only for visitors who have already checked out those trails or days when the others are closed due to flooding. When you decide to explore the Gold Mine Loop, I *strongly* recommend getting a map from the visitors' center and being careful not to head out too late in the day. The trail system is extremely confusing, even with a map, and trails are poorly marked in places. Keep your eyes peeled for interesting mushrooms. General safety notes: Many signs warn you not to swim or wade. They are not joking; several people die there each year because they thought the river looked calm. Bring plenty of water regardless of season. There are occasional snakes, including venomous copperheads (my boyfriend almost stepped on one once). Watch your step, especially in the late afternoon. Do not get caught in the dark on any of the trails, but especially on Billy Goat section A.

Andrew Bartels

The National Park Service just invested USD 10 million in restoring the only aqueduct on the canal and the only operating aqueduct in the United States. It’s free. You are able to take boat tour over the aqua-duct. Reserve a place in advance as the boat tours are popular.

Emily Crabtree

The wait for construction to be completed was definitely worth it! The new bridge is beautiful, and as always it's a great place to bring dogs and/or watch the sunset over the river. I didn't realize that they took away access to the trail on both sides of the current visitors center (the right side by the bathrooms no longer goes over to the C&O trail), however there's a nice new elevated walkway to get over to the river/trail side.

Kristine Maiello

This trail is wonderful. Gravely, but mostly even and flat. You will be peddling the whole way, as there are few ups and downs, but it's not difficult. You ride right along the river, in the woods. There are a few spots where you can take a break by the water. I will be returning here again, and again.

John Scott

The C&O Canal is a must if you visiting the area. Lots of history can be found along it's banks and it's a beautiful place to ride bikes, walk, hike, run and camp. Before you go do some research. The character of the canal is very different near DC than it is at the other end of it's 184 mile length in Cumberland MD. I've lived near the canal all my life and still haven't seen it all.

Garth Hedley

Chaos at the junction of Canal Road and Whitehurst Freeway. Same every weekend, drivers don't care that the right lane is only for traffic entering the Freeway. They use that lane to jump position in the traffic line going into Georgetown. The DC city/road authority would eliminate this horrendous trouble spot/regular congestion if traffic delineators we're placed on/along Canal Road at the junction with Whitehurst Freeway. The same delineators have been used on K Street. Please install them at Canal Road/Whitehurst junction.

william gay

Great place to walk and get out and see nature

Liat Suvorov

Went to pick Pawpaw fruit at Dargan boatlaunch

Jack Fonseca

Gorgeous under all conditions. Do try to be respectful of other trail users though!

Roger Golden

Best bike trail I have ever been on.

Nattily Garcia

Easy to get to. Has calm water

Lawrence Norman Shapiro

Nature at it's finest, being with my bride of 31 years, just after Sundown, the wonderful Sound of Silence, and some occasionally to hooting of Owls about in the Forest about. Thank you Lord for creating, Mother Nature.

jwnagy

The tow path is a nice place to get away to for a day or a weekend of hiking or bike riding.

Elba

Amazing experience if you love the outdoors! Paths are well cared for, big enough for bikers, runners, walkers and photographers!! Love the friendliness of the people

Beth Ward

Well maintained path, beautiful surroundings. Many bikers, walkers, and joggers along the trail, many camping and fishing along the canal

Shani Mitchell

I had no idea I was even on this trail. I ride my bike pretty often but always wondered where this bike path would take me. I could've kept riding til I got to Silver Spring but I had started my bike ride from Capitol Hill & my legs were …

IN VALID

I always enjoy the boardwalk out to Olmsted Island and the amazing power of the falls.

Frank Duncan

Great place for family walks, biking, or a run. Beautiful scenery and you'll not run out of trails!

John Francis

A stretch of tranquility not far from the bustle of the city.

T. Rick

if yer lookin' fer a great spot, for after SHTF. scoutin' out a place to escape mainframe disUnited States. the banks o river here are full o life... garlic mustard y'all! a peaceful area fer solitude n self reflection.

Crystal Rose

I travel different parts of the trail weekly. Always new things to discover

Karl Ritchey

A wonderful way to spend a day or a part of a day...

Candice Walters

Beautiful parks and trails, one of my favorite places to take a walk

Monya Shafer

Beautiful what they did on the canal. We took the boat ride. Guide was very knowledgeable!

Michael McAleer

Excellent walking and hiking trails. Birdwatching and the beauty of nature.

Scott Kluckhuhn

Maryland has a lot of great parks. Free to use and not too busy. Only saw one biker on 8 mile walk

Ellen Coe

Very interesting place. Museum was just closing when we got there. Walked down to the canal lock. Canal Days is next weekend! ( Aug. 24 & 25)

Paula Haney

Had construction there could not go across bridge.

Lauren Quinn

Perfect flat stretch for walking and biking. The depleting water in the canal is discouraging, however.

Roberta Greenwald

Beautiful Park but I must say I'm not sure on the new Arrangement having to walk far to go over some bridge to cross to the other side of the canal and I don't think that bridge is handicapped accessible

je Bloem

Fun environment, great food, good service.

Robert Odell

I've seen a little of it at night, what I make of it, is as a small town by a canal of smart working people, that are proud of their heritage, salt of the earth type people by their structures(houses) they have built smartly but simple. Very "Picturest". See Photos in their " Posting."

Scott Long

Always a good time beautiful views

Christopher Smith

This place is such a great place to go and unplug

Lorraine Hunter

This family likes goin down by the C & O Canal a lot. We can walk or bike the trail or we can swim or boat on the Potomac River. There s also a museum there. Great way 2 spend the day.

Michael Schoelen

Very well maintained, but not too many places for water if you are hiking. Pack water and water purification tablets if it's dry out. The trail is generally very gradual and an easy hike or bike ride.

Ian Weir

Well maintained, safe, good place for a walk with family and dog

Anna Walters

Very informative boat ride guide. Friendly and helpful folks in both buildings. Overall, a good place to visit to learn more about the history of the canal and get some exercise in a scenic setting!

Walt Nicholson

The canal is one of the most accessible park area in the DC area. The canal towpath is almost completely flat and can be easily walked or biked. The trail isn’t paved, so wheel chair access would be bumpy but not impossible. Expect to see some birds and small wildlife. Views of the Potomac are slightly obstructed but the sound of the river adds great ambiance.

Rod Bourn

Great history, plenty to explore.

Ashley Gilles

Perfect way to spend the day. Tons of trails. If you go when the center is open the staff is friendly and there's tons to learn. Regular events and hands on activities. One of our regular haunts.

Benita Mac

Great place to walk, ride bikes or take your pets and will be a lot better and nicer when the work is completed

Chris Rose

Always great service. Best in town. Deal with Aggie, she knows her job!

Justin Cook

The aqueduct looks beautiful completed.

Diana Pratt

Beautiful path to walk or bike and for long or short trips. Very scenic.

Kimberly Pittman

Beautiful Early Spring through late Fall for walks, runs, biking and camping.

Lee Fairfax

Although houses not always open its great to wander around the lock & grounds

Henry Pittman

Relaxing experience and exercise in nature. Observed deer, turtles, and birds. People who I encountered were pleasant.

Mike Mason

Nice area but only hiking trails.

Angelina Guiducci

Great spot for a good bike ride

Lana Tovornik

Beautiful. Gorgeous location. Very nice display and friendly, informative staff.

Curt. P.

Absolutley fun trail to walk, or ride bikes on. Most people you pass are very friendly. Beautiful scenery!

Serge Tudor

Good experience. Good time.

David Halloran

Beautiful place to walk. Nice, level, partially-paved trail. Watch out for "mountain bikers" !

Lea Temple

Went to check out the newly restored aquaduct in Williamsport. Take a boat ride to learn the history of canal life. Great place to walk or ride bikes.

Ty Lindberg

Beautiful and historic place. Well maintained trail. Loads of birds and wonderful scenery.

Sherri Crain

Take lots of water, wear good hiking boots and make sure to go for it when asked if you can complete the Billy Goat A trail. Well worth the drive!

Charles Connolly

I was walking my level. What an amazing place! An invaluable resource!

Thomas Moore

Interesting piece of history to see and learn about.

Jonni Giarth

It was hot, yet interesting to visit!!

Angela Figard

Nice lil spot for swimming n fishing

Laura Jackson

Gives others a chance to see some great pictures✌

W Chalkley

One of my favorite walks and/or bike rides

John Drumm

Nice place to take a casual hike and day trip

Adaira Stone

Loved it here! Even with the river being up from recent rains it was still peaceful. Though construction is ongoing it still is very easy to access and enjoy the views. Seeing the bridge in progress is amazing if you like those things .

Randy Ferrell

Wonderful cycling experience. Great history. Clean air and fun times.

Travis Powers

Great and beatiful trail to hike and bike.

ABEL T

Ok place, seems dirty lots of broken glass on the floor. Be careful with small children if you bring them.

bkipbnic

Beautiful park. The C&O Canal Nation Park visitor's center in Williamsport is a must visit! So much to do and see.

Maureen Reid

lovely destination. leisure exercise bring it!

Brian Holm-Hansen

Well maintained trails and beautiful scenery of the river. Just the right amount of people, not desolate but not Disneyland either. The trails are mostly flat so you can choose between a leisurely walk or a brisk run.

John LaGrave

Love this place. Though, they're currently going through bridge work so I gave it four stars instead of five. Absolutely wonderful place to enjoy outdoors

John Millard

Nice bike ride with family. Quiet and get to be with nature. Well kept always.

Clyde Simpson

Great place to visit.

Briana Wagner

Great trail for walking, biking, walking the dog. Helpful, friendly volunteers

Carrie W. Lane

I always enjoy a visit to the C&O canal. Beautiful, scenic place to walk and ride bikes, but with all the rain in the last year bring plenty of bug spray for the mosquitoes.

KENNETH WOLTERS

We enjoy walking o. The C&O canal.

Thomas McCloud

Rode from Harpers Ferry to Whites ferry today which completed the last sec tion for me, Cumberland to Georgetown every mile a great adventure.

Gary Chesla

Loved our visit.

Friday13th fan

Nice quiet place for a walk with the family. There are boat rides and sites to see depending on what you are looking for. But there is also a boat launch. The best part is you really cant complain about the length of the trails as they go on for miles.

Deanna Weaver

The Potomac River is so beautiful. Such a great place to be with the one's you love! Peace

Carrie M Gordon

Loved seeing the canal, visiting with other hikers and seeing the waterway

colin fraser

Love to hike here also free bike rentals on the weekend

Vladimir Mikhaylenko

Easy walking in shade. Lots of birds and turtles.

Leah Swenson

I love walking on the C&O canal. Sucks that the other path is closed.

Tristen Rice

Beautiful and well maintained. Always great for a walk or fishing along the Potomac!

Mike C.

Awesome scenery. Endless trails to walk / bike / hike / jog.

Chuck Sherman

Beautiful walk with my wife on the tow path at Riley's Lock. Some mud along the way because of all the rain. A lot of bikers and joggers. Everyone was very polite including the snake my wife almost stepped on. She put a photo on Facebook and the jury is still out on Copperhead or rat snake. It was just a baby, about foot long.

Mark Hopkins

Our bike tour stopped in the parking lot for a food break. We did not go in the house. The canal trail is a real gem.

Petra Drury

Nice shady stretch to go for a walk

Eric Alstrom

A great place for a non-strenuous hike since it's flat. Scenic views of the old canal, the Potomac River and the railroad that runs next to the trail. We hiked but this trail is good for running and biking, too. Someday I would like to do some overnight hiking and camping on this trail.

Michael Schwartzbeck

Always love the C&O. It's a great, relaxing bike ride or walk along the tow path.

Carlea Bauman

I hiked the Ford Mine Trail. Easy hike, a few brief steep climbs, some slightly wet stream crossings but nothing my hiking shoes couldn't handle. I saw two gorgeous blue herons stalking out their lunch for much of the hike.

Heather Fondren

Love to just go and look at River...peaceful

Nita Price

I am on Amtrak riding through Cumberland, Maryland. Beautiful area!!!

Virginia Poole

The paths they have there are very nice

Gabe Cisneros

I really liked the hiker/biker campground that I stayed at. Level and flat. Easy access from road before trip. Toilet paper stocked.

Ricardo França de Araujo

Great trail system to do a long ride or hike. It's flat and easy to use!

Dana Walker

Nice little park area to bring thebkids or animals and or to fish at. :)

Joe Camarano

Living near this National treasure has been a gift that keeps giving. Hiking, boating, camping and fishing are all relaxing events I have been fortunate to enjoy visiting the C&O Canal in Wiiliamsport, Maryland.

Philip Herdman

Beautiful place to run, kayak, boat, fish.

Alex Burchett

It's a nice place. The boat ramp is great for getting below dam 5. there is nice open field for playing games.

Thomas Boggess

Great place for a walk and history.

Francisco Abundez

Its quiet an awesome views, with the rive on the side.

Tim Jordan

Nice area to walk, run or ride a bike

Kole Lantigua

Its a family fraindly place i went there for a field trip

Charles Richard.

Great view from this spot as well as some great civil war history if that is your thing.

Greg Guardiano

Beautiful! From Cumberland to Georgetown, the C&O Canal Towpath is a stunning and fantastic bike ride, even when muddy and riding through puddles, and over roots and rocks. Do NOT miss the waterfalls at the park! The 5 to 10 minute walk is a treat in itself, but the real majesty is at the end of the boardwalk.

Jake Kelley

Awesome to see the great history of our country Williamsport is a nice town

Blake Williams

Great trail and history! Endless places to explore! Love it

Gregory Klassen

I love to cycle; but this trail is poorly maintained - do yourself a favor and get off any chance you get on the parallel roads or adjacent paved trails.

Gone RVing

Beautiful National Park. Lovely views of the Potomac River. The old tow path is great for hiking, cycling, jogging and horse riding. A real treasure.

Sari Kress

I've grown up loving the canal! Great place to visit when your in town. Whether your looking for a hike, looking to bike the canal or looking for a family picnic this is the place for you. Enjoy the peacefulness and serenity of the water! And while your in town check out the town of Williamsport. Great shops, great town full of great people! Enjoy!!

Mark Atkins

Great trail ride

Eileen Ward

Biking the C&O best way to spend your time!!

Stephanie Webb

Absolutely beautiful area. So peaceful and they are working so hard to restore it.

Michael Kala

What a forested area! What a boondocks

#LOVEPANDAS

Very nice, relaxing area to take a little or long stroll with your family or dog.