Donate

REI Funds Up to $90,000 for Canal Pride

REI Group Shot by Trust Staff REI is well known as a retailer that sells quality gear to outdoor enthusiasts. What is less well known is that the Seattle-based co-op [...]

Go Back in Time with Canal Quarters

Image: Lockhouse 6 by Kenneth Lyons The Canal lockhouses are known for their proximity to the Potomac River, suspended in nature, providing a time capsule into the past. The C&O [...]

5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day From Home

Got plants? Give them some extra attention by watering them and singing to them. Do some transplanting for those plants that have gotten too big for their pot. Don’t have […]

C&O Canal Crossword Solution

Take the C&O Canal crossword puzzle here or download a PDF. Read on when you are ready to read the solutions. 1. The C&O Canal is run by the ______ Answer: [...]

C&O Canal Activities to do at Home

Great Falls Canal View Credit: Sean Matthews Stuck at home? You can still engage with the C&O Canal! The C&O Canal Trust has developed several fun activities that you and [...]

Women on the C&O Canal

To celebrate Women’s History Month we are taking a look at the roles women played on the C&O Canal. Much of the canal’s history focuses on men, but thanks to […]

Experience the Authentic C&O Canal

Charles F. Mercer Canal BoatMules pull visitors up the canal on the Charles F. Mercer canal boat. Photo by Roy Sewall Although the canal stopped operating one hundred years ago, you can still step [...]

C&O Canal Aqueducts

Eleven aqueducts stand along the C&O Canal – some of the most impressive of the canal structures that stand today. Aqueducts transported the canal over streams and tributaries. Several have […]

Places for History Buffs Not to Miss

Georgetown

Most people think of the C&O Canal as a place for outdoor recreation, but the park is designated as a national historical park because of its rich history. The canal’s […]

Poolesville Joins the Canal Towns Partnership

The Montgomery County town of Poolesville recently joined the Canal Towns Partnership, a community and economic development organization made up of 10 towns along the C&O Canal National Historical Park […]

Celebrating Presidents’ Day on the C&O Canal

Many people are familiar with the C&O Canal’s connection to the Judicial Branch because of Justice Douglas, but what about the Executive Branch? In honor of Presidents’ Day, we ask […]

Plan a Staycation with Canal Quarters this Winter

Are you or your kids dreading another cold weekend indoors? Are you looking for an inexpensive winter getaway after the holidays? The C&O Canal Trust’s historic lockhouses make the perfect […]

Become a 2020 Canal Pride Sponsor

We may still be in the depths of winter, but planning is already underway for our Canal Pride Days volunteer events in the spring. Sponsoring Canal Pride is a great […]

E-Bikes on the Towpath

You may have heard that e-bikes are now legal to ride in National Parks and on other public lands. Whether you’re delighted to be able to take your e-bike on […]

Bike Your Park Day 2019

The last Saturday in September is Bike Your Park Day, an initiative created by the Adventure Cycling Association to promote biking in national parks, state parks, and other public lands. […]

Brunswick Heritage Museum Highlight

The Brunswick Heritage Museum, previously the Brunswick Railroad Museum, tells the story of Brunswick, Maryland, the B&O Railroad, and the C&O Canal. Whether you are a canal buff, model train […]

Bringing 1916 Alive at Swains Lockhouse

National Park Service Ranger Carl Lennartson, usually on duty at Great Falls and occasionally at Georgetown, provided insights into the historical interpretation of Swains Lockhouse for this post.

A Look at the Rehab Work at Swains Lockhouse

Becky Curtis, the C&O Canal Trust’s Director of Programs and Partnerships, oversaw the renovation work at Swains Lockhouse project and shares some of her impressions and insights for this blog […]

C&O Canal Construction and Project Updates

At 184.5 miles long and with more historical structures than any other national park, the C&O Canal National Historical Park is always a work in progress. This summer, however, visitors […]

Canal Towpath Resurfacing Underway

Visitors accessing the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) at Edwards Ferry (Mile 30.8) will find a smooth surface running to Whites Ferry (Mile 35.5) – the first five miles […]

April is Archeology Month in Maryland

April is Archeology Month in Maryland! To celebrate, we wanted to bring you a look at the archeological work that takes place along the canal. The C&O Canal National Historical […]

It’s National Park Week!

Our favorite week of the year, National Park Week, kicks off April 20! This is a time to celebrate America’s treasures, discover history and culture, and help conserve our country’s […]

Canal Quarters – Making Magical Memories

Canal Quarters lockhouses are popular for their historic charm, proximity to the towpath, and unique overnight lodgings. Through the years, the lockhouses have also been the destination for marriage proposals.

Let's Explore!