Protecting Today.
Preserving for the Future.
Preserving for the Future.
Stewarding the Park,
Connecting Communities,
Inspiring Adventure
The C&O Canal Trust is proud to partner with the National Park Service and our community to preserve the beauty, history, and recreational opportunities of the C&O Canal. Together with generous supporters, we’re working to keep the park a vibrant place for everyone to explore and enjoy today and for generations to come.
Stay
at a Lockhouse
Step back in time as you spend the night in one of seven historic lockhouses.
Plan
and Explore
Discover guides and points of interest to make the most of your adventure.
Volunteer
with Us
From education to preservation, we bring the canal’s stories to life and connect communities.
Support
the Park
Support the park you love! Every contribution makes a difference.
There has been a lapse in appropriations, and a shutdown of the federal government is currently in effect. Much of the C&O Canal National Historical Park remains accessible to the…
For more than 51 years, the Friends of Historic Great Falls Tavern have been a cherished part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park community. From raising funds and recruiting…
On September 20, 2025, the C&O Canal Trust and the National Park Service welcomed over 200 members of our canal community to the lawn of the historic Great Falls Tavern…
Underlying the 184.5-mile C&O Canal’s towpath, more than 200 culverts were built to pass smaller creeks and streams under the canal and into the Potomac River. These engineering marvels may…
Photo credit: NPS July 11, 2025, marked the celebration of the completion of the Log Wall, a historic drylaid stone wall, stabilization near the Carderock Recreation Area. This major $11.4M…
As the largest intact Piedmont forest in Maryland, the Gold Mine Tract in the C&O Canal National Historical Park holds special significance for park visitors and regional conservationists. Situated in…
C&O Canal National Historical Park Superintendent Tina Cappetta retires from the National Park Service. Photo courtesy of NPS. In June, the C&O Canal Trust’s Board of Directors and staff gathered…
On Wednesday mornings, Eddie Rivas wakes up early, putting on his uniform — tan pants and a bright orange polo shirt. He grabs his hat, backpack, and lunch, and is…
Your support keeps the C&O Canal alive with history, nature, and adventure — today and for generations to come.