Canal Community Days
The C&O Canal National Historical Park follows the Potomac River for 184.5 miles between Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, and Cumberland in Western Maryland, and is one of the most visited national park sites in the country. The C&O Canal Trust is the park’s official nonprofit philanthropic partner, committed to supporting the National Park Service and local communities through fundraising initiatives, expanding accessibility, and broadening support through programs that highlight the park’s historical, natural, and cultural heritage.
Great Falls Tavern – April 18, 2026
Anticipated Projects:
- Pulling Garlic mustard
- Painting
- Trimming vegetation around the parking lot
- Spreading mulch in the picnic area
- Filling potholes on the towpath
- Washing Tavern windows
Learn more about volunteering at Great Falls
When:
Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9 am – 12 pm
Where:
C&O Canal National Historical Park
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
11710 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854
Map Link
Entrance Fees:
Entrance fees are waived for all volunteers. When you arrive at the fee booth, simply let them know you’re volunteering with the C&O Canal Trust today, and they’ll let you in.
Washington County – May 2, 2026
The Trust will host volunteer projects at two locations simultaneously on this day: Cushwa Basin and Big Slackwater! Please select the location you would like to volunteer at on the form.
Anticipated Projects at Both Locations:
- Painting and staining park structures
- Trash and invasive vegetation removal
Learn more about volunteering in Washington County
When:
Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9 am – 12 pm
Locations:
Cushwa Basin
205 W Potomac St, Williamsport, MD 21975
Map Link
Big Slackwater
Sharpsburg, MD 21782
Map Link
All volunteers should check-in at Cushwa Basin. If you register for Big Slackwater, a shuttle will be provided to that site after the Welcome, or you may choose to drive there on your own.
Parking:
- Please park at the C&O Canal headquarters building and walk across the street to the Cushwa Visitors Center.
- Limited parking is available at the Visitors Center for those with mobility restrictions. This lot fills up quickly, so we ask that only those who require accessible parking use it.
Frederick County – May 16, 2026
The Trust will host volunteer projects at two locations simultaneously on this day: Monocacy Aqueduct and Point of Rocks. Please select the location you would like to volunteer at on the form.
Anticipated Projects at Both Locations:
- Painting and staining park structures
- Trash and invasive vegetation removal
All ages are welcome at Canal Community Days events, but parents must remain on-site and responsible for their children the entire time. No drop-offs. Student Service Learning (SSL) hours are available; just bring your forms from school, and we’ll be happy to sign them.
Required Volunteer Forms:
Volunteer Service Agreement (VSA) and Media Release
- If you are registering your child under 18, a VSA form, along with instructions, will be emailed to you once your registration has been received. We will need these forms returned to us at least a week before the date of the event.
- Adults will sign a different form onsite.
Questions?
Please contact us at [email protected].
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
Canal Explorer:
LockKeeper:
AC&T
Tri-State Stone and Building Supply Inc.,
Photo credits: MJ Clingan, Francis Grant-Suttie, and Trust Staff