Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

One of seven Park visitor centers, the Bowles House sits along an empty canal bed in Hancock.
Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures.
Map showing location of park.
water flows over rocks with trees turning to fall
A New Vision for Great Falls Starts Now
The National Park Service has completed the Great Falls Area (Maryland) Development Concept Plan, a major milestone that sets the long-term direction for stewardship, visitor experiences and education at one of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park’s most visited places.
The rushing river cascades over the rocks of the Potomac
Photo by NPS photo
A single bike rider on the towpath next to the widewater section of the canal.
Photo by NPS photo
A whitewashed lockhouse sits above a stone lock with wooden crib.
Photo by NPS photo
Fog over the Potomac River alongside the Canal towpath.
Photo by NPS photo
A replica double decker canal boat is being pulled upstream by mules.
Photo by NPS photo/Buckner