chesapeake & ohio canal national historical park

We have hiked and biked many portions of the canal, beautiful. Would definitely recommend itpeople!

Such a great value... for the budget minded. Camp along the river and ride bikes or boats in the river. History along the way. Small towns for food and fun

In most places, industry and nature are mortal enemies. However, along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal engineering structures have fused with nature to produce an enduring and inviting monument to the American Spirit. The banks of the Canal welcome the bicyclist, the novice hiker, and those interested in the diverse bird animal life of the Mid-Atlantic Region. Pack a lunch and a bottle of water and prepare to leave your cares behind as you witness the unusual synthesis of nature and 19th century civilization.

My GPS on my national parks passport app led us to this historical place that we didn't know existed. Small visitors center with a couple of short films & a lot of information about the canal. We are on a cross country driving trip & love finding out of the way charms like these. Felt the first chill of Autumn there today.

The Canal and Towpath are one of my most cherished places. I have walked/biked most of the towpath - enjoying the history and sights from Georgetown, Washington DC to Cumberland MD. Highly recommend Great Falls (Maryland side of course!), White's Ferry, Dickerson MD, Harpers Ferry West Virginia, Williamsport, MD. Great history.

Just a couple of miles of I-81 allows you an opportunity to stretch your legs and clear the traffic from your mind. Shade lined walking/ biking path.

It's 183 miles long from Georgetown in Washington DC to Cumberland MD, but this doesn't begin to describe it's historical value as pretty much the first major infrastructure investment made by the United States, and has borne witness to much of the amazing history of the US--mainly during the Civil War. The Canal and it's tow-path is like the "Yellow Brick Road" that takes you through history as the US transforms itself from a mainly agrarian pre-industrial economy, to a war-stoked industrial powerhouse. Particularly fascinating are the towns of Williamsport and Harpers Ferry, which retain vestiges of their strategic importance as transit centers and river crossings--not to mention the historic architecture of bridges, aqueducts and buildings that pre-date the Civil War.

there is not a whole lot to see but the trails are very nice. they have a small museum where you can see the history I would better recommend the ones closer to the dc area

I have done many outings along the C&O Canal since moving to the Hagerstown area. This park runs along the Potomac on the old Mule tow path. In the area near Wiliamsport, MD and the Cushwa basin the trail runs under a canopy of trees and is nestled between the hills and water. It is beautiful and perfect for a walk, hike, bike, or run. Each mile has a marker from Washington DC all the way to Cumberland, so you can easily tell your distance. It is a popular place for recreation, yet still isolated enough to become surrounding by the sounds of birds and crickets on late summer evenings. Use a park map to see where all the access points are along the park and you can easily see different sites along the canal and the Potomac from old locks to dams to natural features and even have the opportunity to pass along areas near Fort Frederick State Park. I have gone for as little as 30 minutes on a run or taken more time to hike and relax at some of the picnic areas near Four Locks. Have a few hours in the area and want to get outside? This is the place to go. Deer, many different birds, butterflies, ground hogs, and more live in the area and you might even see a Bald Eagle flying overhead.

There are several C&O Canal sites around Hagerstown that give the traveler an idea of how freight was moved in the pre-railroad era. Old canal locks and towpaths have been preserved and there are interpretive displays.

Walking on the park's boardwalk was one of the most thrilling walks I've had in my life. You are constantly flanked by gorgeous scenery throughout the entire walk, which is only enhanced by how well preserved the local ecosystem is. The crown jewel of the park, however, is the view that greets you once you exit the boardwalk. The view of the Great Falls is one that is worth a million bucks, but luckily for you, it won't cost you one dime.

We just began our walk along the tow path when a nice gentleman (Park employee) let us know we could borrow bikes. We walked back to get the bikes. We biked a total of 6 miles and had a great experience. We came across an abandoned, dilapidated house up a hill...very curious how old the house is and who lived there long ago, and why someone would live in such an odd location. It wasn't near a lock so it wasn't a locktender's home.

Hiked from Cumberland Md to the Harper's Ferry bridge. Enjoyed the hike, quiet nights and abundant wildlife. Met a few great people, hikers and bikers.The 3116 foot Paw Paw Tunnel was great. On a hot day, walking through is like walking into an air conditioned room.Only downfalls of this trail is muddy when it rains, and rough on your shoes when hiking due to the excessive gravel.

Running the C & O was a real treat. The countryside is peaceful and the trail well marked with milage markers and the occasional trailside campsite withaccompaning porta. Started at Williamsport and ran West. Wild turkeys crossed the trail on this evening run.

When we arrived at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center late on a Friday afternoon we were chagrined to discover that it closes at 4:30 pm, not 5:00 as we had thought. We did manage to take a short walk on the towpath trail, though, and that was a real thrill for me. Anybody who knows the historic significance of this canal system should see it up close and personal to gain a better appreciation of what an engineering marvel it is.The long, narrow Chesapeake & Ohio Canal NHP is one of the most heavily visited units of the National Park System, so I was surprised that we encountered only a smattering of hikers and cyclists (plus one guy toting a small kayak). The scenery was great, the people we met were friendly, and I count this all-too-brief visit a fine experience.