07/04/2026
The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park is one of the most underrated parks in the US.
In much of the US, property along a major river, is all private.
Our C&O keeps a huge stretch of the Potomac open to the public, with no fees.
This section of the Canal remains relatively uncrowded, especially if you can get away, during a weekday. See y’all soon!
Happy 250th America from the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park!
The C&O Canal tells our nation’s story. George Washington dreamed of a canal system along the Potomac River. The historic C&O Canal made that dream a reality. Operating for nearly 100 years the C&O Canal helped transform a mostly rural nation into a major economic powerhouse, forged new and growing communities, and encouraged rapid technological and industrial advancement.
Come be a part of that history today! Discover the story of the working people striving to realize the Founding Fathers' vision, investigate canal technology in action during lock demonstrations and boat rides on the canal’s waters, and explore the outdoors while you walk, ride, or run on the historic 184.5-mile towpath.
Learn more: nps.gov/choh
Photo from the park's archive of a canal boat near Brunswick circa 1910