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.
Very few traces remain of a bustling little community of Pearre that sprang up around Lock 56. In addition to the two-story lockhouse, homes and a small hotel that existed here, the area was chosen by the Western Maryland Railroad for a depot and one-mile section of “passing track.”
Previously, the site of the Pearre depot was the western terminus of the Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT), a restored section of track that roughly parallels the towpath back to Big Pool. Learn more.
Very few traces remain of a bustling little community of Pearre that sprang up around Lock 56. In addition to the two-story lockhouse, homes and a small hotel that existed here, the area was chosen by the Western Maryland Railroad for a depot and one-mile section of “passing track.”
Previously, the site of the Pearre depot was the western terminus of the Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT), a restored section of track that roughly parallels the towpath back to Big Pool. With the expansion in 2019, the WMRT now runs to Little Orleans. Many locals bike what they call the “bow-tie,” which utilizes both the Rail Trail and the towpath for 40+ mile round-trip. Bikers can experience the history and terrain of both the towpath and the restored railroad bed.
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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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.