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.
Swiss nobleman Christoph Graffenreid was attracted to the “small lake with many springs” he found at these “enchanted islands in the Potomac River above the falls.” Archeologists have determined that he was referring to Kanawha Spring. The name of the spring and the neighboring village of Canavest were both derived from the Conoy Indian tribe, whose people inhabited Canavest. Learn more.
Swiss nobleman Christoph Graffenreid was attracted to the “small lake with many springs” he found at these “enchanted islands in the Potomac River above the falls.” Archeologists have determined that he was referring to Kanawha Spring. The name of the spring and the neighboring village of Canavest were both derived from the Conoy Indian tribe, whose people inhabited Canavest. Although the Canavest villagers were friendly, they informed Graffenreid that other Indians in the area might not have the same temperament.
The spring itself has been surrounded by a chain link fence for many years for safety purposes. Be on the lookout for Bald Eagles that have been using the favorable conditions here to raise their families.
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:
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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.