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.
Just beyond the B&O trestle overhead, a picnic and recreation area is accessible by vehicle on River Rd SE. Learn more.
Just beyond the B&O trestle overhead, a picnic and recreation area is accessible by vehicle on River Rd SE.
For most of the length of the Canal west of Harper’s Ferry, the B&O Railroad has run its tracks along the Virginia side of the Potomac River. This enabled the railroad to stay out of the Canal’s way and was used as leverage with the Virginia legislature to extend a charter continuing the railroad west. The trestle that passes over the Potomac and over the Canal between Locks 73 and 74 marks the point where the railroad passes back into Maryland.
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.