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.
Lander Lock Bridge closed to vehicles  
Update (12/23/25): The Lander Lock Bridge has reopened with a reduced load rating of 5-tons.
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