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.
Two wayside exhibits, documenting life at Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps NP-1 and NP-2 on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal during the Great Depression were the recipient of a National…
On December 9, 2021 the C&O Canal Trust presented a gift of $200,000 to the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP). “The C&O Canal Trust provides the ways and means…
As the volunteer project season draws to a close, I am amazed at how quickly and eagerly people have stepped up to help take care of the park, especially when…
Great Falls Canal Community Days by Francis Grant-Suttie Canal Community Days is the C&O Canal Trust’s annual volunteer program. Each year, we recruit and manage hundreds of volunteers to undertake…
On Sunday, September 12, the C&O Canal Trust hosted Picnic in the Park to celebrate and raise funds for the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s 50th anniversary. The event was…
The C&O Canal Trust’s Canal For All program was launched in 2017 with the goal of engaging young people from underrepresented communities in programs in the C&O Canal National Historical…
Early morning jog at Violettes Lock by Paul Graunke This year, nearly 20 participants volunteered to join TowpathGO! fundraiser. Together, they raised over $18,000! What caused these individuals to answer…
A project at Dam 5 along the C&O Canal is one of 165 projects that will benefit from the recently-passed Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). The GAOA is providing up…
Your support keeps the C&O Canal alive with history, nature, and adventure — today and for generations to come.