River Trail
The River Trail, just upstream from the Great Falls Tavern, winds along the Potomac, affording views of small rapids, eagles’ nests, and rocky outcroppings in the river. The trail is […]
Tunnel Hill Trail
As an “overland” alternative to walking a half mile through the Paw Paw Tunnel, the Tunnel Hill Trail offers a walk through history and outstanding views of the Potomac River […]
Green Ridge State Forest
Directly adjacent to the canal for nearly 18 miles is Green Ridge State Forest. At 47,560 acres, Green Ridge is the largest contiguous block of public land in Maryland – […]
Fort Frederick State Park
Bordering the Potomac River and surrounding parts of the C&O Canal is Fort Frederick State Park. A 585-acre park in the Cumberland Valley of Maryland, it is named after Fort […]
Cushwa Basin
Developed as a major point for loading/unloading on the Canal, the Cushwa Basin was one of the few places on the Canal that a boat could turn around. Sitting on […]
Washington Monument State Park
Named for the first completed monument dedicated to the memory of George Washington, Washington Monument State Park is located in Washington County, Maryland at the top of South Mountain. Citizens […]
Maryland Heights Trail
Both hikers and history buffs will tell you the 1,200 foot climb to the overlook at Maryland Heights is well worth the trip. The green-blazed trail leads you to a […]
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
The town of Harpers Ferry, wedged below high ridgelines and tightly packed on a small point of land at the confluence of the Potomac and the Shenandoah, is rich in […]
Appalachian Trail
The roughly three-mile section of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail that runs along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park towpath from Weverton, Maryland, to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, […]
Seneca Creek State Park
As Seneca Creek splashes its way toward the Potomac, the stream basin is home to a wide range of attractions and outdoor activities. Seneca Creek State Park is a 6,300-acre […]
Ford Mine Trail
This is the Ford Mine Trail, visit Ford Mine Trailhead to see where you can begin this hike.
Gold Mine Trail
During the Civil War, a Union soldier was stationed along the Maryland side of the Potomac River near Great Falls. While cleaning up in a creek, he noticed a glint […]
Mather Gorge
Although diverse in their resources and stories, national parks protect the American legacy. The parks are the legacy of Stephen Tyng Mather. Mather fought hard for the protection of important […]
Billy Goat Trail A
This section of the Billy Goat Trail is by far the most demanding—but extremely rewarding for those who complete it. You’ll scramble and climb over angled rocks and boulders while […]
Billy Goat Trail B
Billy Goat Trail B is currently CLOSED, due to trail damage. Visit the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s page of current conditions for updates. Sections A and C are open. […]
Billy Goat Trail C
The Billy Goat Trail is appropriately named. Divided into three sections (A, B, and C), The Billy Goat Trail takes more adventurous hikers along, up and over the rocks edging […]
Capital Crescent Trail
Suitable for walkers, joggers, bikers and rollerbladers, the Capital Crescent Trail is a valuable off-road resource connecting Georgetown with Silver Spring, MD. It is part of a growing network of […]
Francis Scott Key Park
Start of Towpath
From Mile 0, Rock Creek and the Rock Creek Park Trail, take a left toward Georgetown onto the modern version of the towpath, which starts as a brick path on […]