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.
This is the last of three closely spaced composite locks (beginning with Lock 63) that lift the Canal in its approach to the Paw Paw Tunnel. Plans were to build four locks for the tunnel approach, but construction costs and diminishing Canal budgets necessitated creative engineering. Instead of building four eight-foot locks, contractors decided to build three ten-foot locks that helped to make up the difference in elevation. Learn more.
This is the last of three closely spaced composite locks (beginning with Lock 63) that lift the Canal in its approach to the Paw Paw Tunnel. Plans were to build four locks for the tunnel approach, but construction costs and diminishing Canal budgets necessitated creative engineering. Instead of building four eight-foot locks, contractors decided to build three ten-foot locks that helped to make up the difference in elevation. Unfortunately, contractual language for locks being built farther up the line required the numerical progression of the locks remain, so Lock 65 had to simply be dropped from the plans. Lock 65 is often labeled “the missing lock,” but it was really never built in the first place!
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.