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.
White’s Ferry is a one-of-a-kind on the Potomac River. It is the last operating ferry on the river, transporting vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians from Maryland across to the Leesburg area of Virginia. (The ferry is closed as of June 2021). Learn more.
White’s Ferry is a one-of-a-kind on the Potomac River. It is the last operating ferry on the river, transporting vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians from Maryland across to the Leesburg area of Virginia. (The ferry is closed as of June 2021). Learn more on White’s Ferry’s Facebook page.
Originally known as “Conrad’s Ferry,” the crossing was mentioned as far back as 1817 by Benjamin Latrobe who was transporting marble from a nearby quarry to Washington. Once the Canal was constructed, it became an obstacle to ferry access. During the Civil War, troops used a 10-foot wide culvert a mile downstream to gain access to the river’s edge, but by 1865 the culvert became too narrow and a bridge over the Canal was a must.
Elijah White, a Confederate Lieutenant Colonel who owned a farm just upstream, purchased the ferry after the Civil War. The Canal company built a wooden truss bridge over the Canal, but the approaches were too steep and the bridge developed problems. Approaches were re-graded and the wooden bridge was replaced by an iron truss bridge in 1876—which still stands today.
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 open to the public, however, the National Park Service is not able to operate as normal. Visitor services, including park visitor centers and other NPS-staffed facilities, will not be available. Inquiries to the National Park Service will not be received or responded to until the shutdown ends.
The C&O Canal Trust’s staff are currently working remotely. Scheduled Trust events and Canal Quarters reservations will continue as scheduled. While a federal government shutdown is in effect, visitors should not expect services typically provided by the National Park Service to be available. All visitors are urged to practice safety in the park and plan ahead. Be a good park steward by recreating responsibly and practicing Leave No Trace principles, respecting cultural and natural resources.
Information regarding the Department of Interior’s Operations in the Absence of Appropriations can be found here: https://www.doi.gov/shutdown.
When federal funding is restored, we look forward to continuing to work with our park partner to ensure the C&O Canal remains beautiful, safe, and welcoming for visitors today and for future generations. Love the Park? Help the Trust! Consider making a donation. Your support directly helps fund beautification, conservation, education, and preservation initiatives in the park.