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.
As the philanthropic partner to the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP), the C&O Canal Trust works to raise funds for vital Park programs that improve the visitor experience and…
The C&O Canal Trust is celebrating the conclusion of our yearly Canal For All and stewardship events for 2023. We ended this year with a bang, notably, with five final…
The C&O Canal Trust welcomed more than 70 individuals to the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) in October for volunteer service and educational programs. Kite Pharma volunteers at Weverton…
Photo by Trust Staff The C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) is home to over 1,500 species of plants, including over 260 non-native plant species. The C&O Canal NHP’s Natural…
Photo by Francis Grant-Suttie Each year, during the C&O Canal Trust’s Park After Dark gala, the Trust recognizes individuals for their deep commitment to the preservation of the C&O Canal…
Image Credit: Jane Schmidt National parks have long been revered for their natural beauty and historical significance, but they are also a vital part of our nation’s economy and help…
Student Conservation Association interns planting smooth rock skullcap at a site in the Potomac Gorge area. Photo by C&O Canal NHP/NPS. The C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP) is focused…
Photo by C&O Canal NHP/NPS The C&O Canal NHP was awarded the 2023 Excellence in Historic Preservation and Sustainable Design award from the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT). The award recognizes…
Your support keeps the C&O Canal alive with history, nature, and adventure — today and for generations to come.