You can now create your own itineraries to guide your C&O Canal exploration, or you can copy one of ours! Learn more about Itineraries.
Suitable for walkers, joggers, bikers and rollerbladers, the Capital Crescent Trail is a valuable off-road resource connecting Georgetown with Silver Spring, MD. It is part of a growing network of pathways and trails that enables people to get around D.C., Maryland and Virginia by their own power. Learn more.
Suitable for walkers, joggers, bikers and rollerbladers, the Capital Crescent Trail is a valuable off-road resource connecting Georgetown with Silver Spring, MD. It is part of a growing network of pathways and trails that enables people to get around D.C., Maryland and Virginia by their own power. Combined with the Rock Creek Trail, the Capital Crescent Trail forms an outstanding 22- mile loop.
Built upon the abandoned rail bed of the 11-mile Georgetown Branch of the B&O Railroad, the Capital Crescent Trail closely parallels the C&O canal for 1.7 miles until it takes a right turn toward Bethesda. It is one of the most popular of more than 700 rails-to-trails projects nationwide.
See Capital Crescent Trailhead for where to begin your hike.
We know that to preserve something, you need to experience it, so we are proud to provide support to the C&O National Historical Park as their official philanthropic partner.
Please visit the National Park Service website for the following information:
For more information and nearby places to stay or grab a bite to eat, please visit our local tourism partners:
Download the
C&O Canal Explorer!
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 public, however, the National Park Service is not able to operate as normal. Scheduled C&O Canal Trust events and Canal Quarters reservations will continue as scheduled.
Learn more about what the shutdown means for the C&O Canal National Historical Park.