Completed in 1837, Lockhouse 28 stands as a reminder of the fierce competition between the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in the race to reach the Ohio River Valley. At Point of Rocks, the land between the Potomac River and the rocky outcropping becomes precariously narrow. Both companies knew ownership of this strip of land was imperative to winning the race to the Ohio. Fought in the courts for four years, both canal and railroad were given rights-of-way, with the C&O Canal allowed to build next to the river, and the B&O Railroad forced to carve its way through the hillside just above the canal.

Today, Lockhouse 28 is a rustic retreat, situated between the scenic Potomac and the still-active railroad tracks. It is the most remote of the Canal Quarters lockhouses, located nearly 1/2 mile from the nearest parking area.

Location Towpath Mile: 48.93 Parking: Point of Rocks at towpath mile 48.2 (0.7 miles) or Lander at towpath mile 50.8 (1.87 miles) Nearest Communities: Point of Rocks, Maryland Features & Amenities No Heat No Electricity Water Pump at Bald Eagle Island Hiker Biker Campsite at towpath mile 50.3 (1.37 miles) - Apr 15-Oct 10 Outdoor fire ring Adjacent picnic table One bedroom with double bed, one bedroom with two single and "three quarters" beds and two trundles, cot available Outdoor portable toilet Wheelchair ramp to first floor of lockhouse; no ADA compliant access to second floor bedrooms Linens not provided

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The Canal Quarters program would not be possible without the dedicated efforts of the volunteers who oversee the lockhouses... More

"Lockhouse 28 holds special appeal for me. It reminds me of my youth in the 1950s. It's the perfect spot for a weekend getaway, exploring DC and Georgetown, or for... More