The C&O Canal is one of America’s most distinctive national parks. Where else can you find hundreds of priceless historical structures, world-class recreational opportunities, and endangered species habitat, so close at hand? It is hard to imagine another park that provides such a diversity of experiences for the visitor or benefits to the public at large. This may be why the C&O Canal NHP is one of the most visited national parks in the country, welcoming more guests every year than Yellowstone, Shenandoah, or Everglades.

The C&O Canal Trust believes that the more you know about the park, the better prepared you will be to be a careful steward and a strong advocate for its future. The best source of information about the park is the official website of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Here, you will find everything you will need to plan your visit, including maps, directions to the park’s six visitor centers, and a listing of upcoming activities.

We encourage you to take a moment to learn about the park and some of its challenges. Find out what is available on nearby trails and public lands. Explore the wonderful communities along the towpath. Then listen to our podcasts (download-able audio files) to learn more about what life was like for a family working on the canal, Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas’s famous advocacy for the park, and other topics that bring the C&O to life!

• The Park’s Assets
• Challenges Facing the Park
• Connections to Parks and Trails
• Gateway Communities
• Safety and Comfort
• Podcasts & Downloads
• Visitor Feedback Form