Many families have chosen to honor their loved ones by taking part in our Bench Program. These sponsorships run for three years, and can be made in honor or in memory of an individual.
Our current bench sponsors are listed below. We appreciate all the families who have chosen to honor their loved ones in this way!
For more information or to contact, visit our Bench Program page here.
In honor of Peter Harnik by his co-workers at the Trust for Public Land
Capital Crescent Trail: Mile marker 3.7
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“When Peter Harnik retired from the Trust for Public Land, his friends and co-workers wanted to give him a place to sit and relax. Since he co-founded the Coalition for the Capital Crescent Trail back in 1985, this spot on the trail and near the canal is of particular significance to him. Even though more than a million people use the Capital Crescent Trail every year, there had been no place to stop and sit between Georgetown and Bethesda. Now there is at least one lovely and historic spot to relax and watch the world whiz past.”
Donated by Ira Wagner
Lock 5: Mile marker 5
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Lock 5: Mile marker 5.01
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In honor of Friends of Brookmont Civic League by Barbara Boyle Torrey
Lock 6 Trail: Mile marker 5.4
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In memory of Tejin Rafael Thomas by his family
Lock 6 upstream: Mile marker 5.5
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“Tejin had a keen appreciation of the outdoors and nature, starting from a young age, when he reveled in taking care of family pets and developed a special interest in turtles in particular; such passions were reflected in his writings, drawings, paintings, and music through the years. He took to the paths of the C&O Canal on his bike whenever he wanted some peace and tranquility. The bench keeps our loving memories alive in a place which gave him solace. It is a beautiful spot where one can easily imagine him reflecting on the wonders of nature around him, and be with him in spirit: a point where the waters of the Potomac may be glimpsed as tranquil as well as rushing on one side, and a stretch of the canal on the other where all types of fascinating creatures from the air, in the water, and along the towpath may be quietly observed through the changing seasons.”
Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Sycamore Island: Mile Marker 6.4
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Lock 7: Mile marker 6.7
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In memory of William Curtis Grayson by his family
Lockhouse 7: Mile marker 7
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In memory of Nancy Hewitt Katz
Cabin John Bridge – downstream: Mile marker 7.6
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In memory of John M. Hartz by his friends and family
Cabin John Bridge – upstream: Mile marker 7.7
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In memory of Alison Levine
Lock 8 Access Trail: Mile marker 8.5
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“Alison was a nature lover who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family and friends. She walked regularly along the towpath, so sponsoring a bench in her memory was an easy decision. It makes Alison’s friends and family smile as we pass by and see people taking a pause and sitting on the bench! We miss Alison, our yoga practicing, meditating, knitting, musical, resilient mother, daughter, wife, sister, and dear friend. It was so meaningful to gather and honor Alison just after the bench was installed”.
Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Lock 9: Mile marker 8.65
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In honor of Peter Bross by Victoria Gray-Rosenthal
Between Locks 10/11: Mile marker 8.9
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In honor of naturalist Stephanie Mason by her supporters.
Marsden Tract Campground: Mile marker 11.25
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In memory of Douglas R. Hokenson by his family.
Marsden bridge: Mile marker 11.5
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My late husband, Douglas Hokenson, was an avid runner and cyclist, whose running and cycling club frequented the towpath on a regular basis. Upon his passing, we felt it appropriate to sponsor a bench to celebrate his life and his love for the C&O Canal and the many hours of happiness it gave to him and to our family.
As my husband became more infirm, he was only able to walk his beloved canal instead of running and biking as usual. The bench at Marsden Bridge literally served as his “benchmark” – if he could make it to that first bench, he believed there was hope for another day.
The photograph is of Douglas, #5442, running in the 3rd Annual Marine Corps Marathon, November 1978.
In memory of Kirk & Peggy Burns
Marsden Bridge: Mile marker 11.6
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Donated by Elinor Talmadge
Anglers-Downriver: Mile marker 12
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Anglers-downstream: Mile marker 12
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In memory of Andrew Reisse by his family
Angler’s Footbridge Downstream: Mile marker 12.2
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“Andrew (1979 – 2013) lived near the Park for 10 years and spent countless hours hiking and taking photographs there. His favorite hike was Section A of the Billy Goat Trail. Several years before his death, he joined the Mountaineering Section of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club and learned to climb at Carderock where he spent many Wednesday afternoons climbing. It is very special to us to honor Andrew with a bench in a place he enjoyed so much in every season of the year.”
In memory of Josef and Margarethe Sunzenauer and Ralph C. Wright, Jr. by their family
Widewater – head of Billy Goat Trail A: Mile marker 12.7
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In Honor of Donald M. Sladkin
Billy Goat Trail A- Downriver Entrance- Mile Marker: 12.7
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“This bench is lovingly donated by the daughters of Donald M. Sladkin in honor of his many years of service as a Billy Goat Trail Steward and his lifelong dedication to conservation. As a nearby resident since 1980, our father has spent over thirty years hiking the Billy Goat Trail and appreciating the beauty and tranquility of this great national park. He has an intimate knowledge of the trail’s twists, turns, rock formations, flora and fauna, and is always happy to share his knowledge with park visitors, provide first aid, or help them in any way he can. Most recently, he helped blaze the Billy Goat A Trail with new blue paint so hikers can easily find their way. The location of the bench at the downstream exit of Billy Goat A is of particular significance to us and our dad. He often volunteers at that area on weekend mornings providing information, assistance, and an occasional bottle of water to hikers coming on and off the trail. The bench commands a wonderful view of Widewater, and it is a perfect location to relax and take in the scenery. We hope you will come and visit, and maybe you will see our dad!”
Provided for your rest and comfort by Joan and Lu Rudel
Widewater: Mile marker 12.8
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“Our family has lived near the C&O Canal for 50 years. Joan traveled the entire length of the C&O Canal towpath twice: once leading her Girl Scout Troop and once with a friend, on bikes. The C&O Canal holds wonderful memories for us both. We believe a bench on the C&O Canal Towpath, available to give comfort and rest for its travelers, is more appropriate to preserve our family’s memory of us than a gravestone.”
In memory of Deacon Brew by his family
Billy Goat A Trail Exit: Mile marker 12.85
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“Deacon was a beloved son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew, and friend, who was a gifted artist and athlete who loved the outdoors. We miss him tremendously. He spent many days and hours on the C&O Canal, painting, running, hiking, and walking our dog Hugo. It gave him peace of mind and perspective. This bench allows us to reconnect to all Deacon enjoyed and to feel his spirit.”
In memory of John Quinn Rounsaville by his family
Widewater: Mile marker 13.1- two benches side by side
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In memory of James B. Werner by his family
Widewater: Mile marker 13.2
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“Our son James (Jamie) died of an opioid overdose in February 2017. We miss him every day. Jamie loved hiking with his husky, Jak. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved to bring friends on his favorite trails. Jame’s favorite trail was Billy Goat A. He would walk by the spot where we located his bench on the towpath to complete the circuit of the hike.”
In honor of Robert Kanchuger by his family
Widewater/River Trail: Mile marker 13.5
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In honor of George E. Mattingly, Jr. by his friends and family
Stop Gate: Mile marker 13.7
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In memory of Dr. Jaswinder S. Sidhu by his family
Great Falls near Billy Goat Trail A trailhead: Mile marker 13.9
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Donated by John Knowles
Entrance to Olmstead Island Bridge: Mile Marker 14.0
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The Hanna family moved to Rockville, Maryland in 1962. With 7 daughters and a love of the outdoors, trips to the C & O Canal at Great Falls became a family tradition. Annette and the girls would make the picnic and Bill would drive the family station wagon to the park. A hike out to Olmstead Island to view Great Falls was a favorite hike. In 1972 Hurricane Agnes came and destroyed all the bridges, first built over 100 years ago, cutting off the access to view Great Falls from the Maryland side.
In 1985 Montgomery County Council member William E Hanna Jr. began a crusade to get the bridges rebuilt, which took many years and he had to overcome a tremendous number of obstacles. He called on relationships built over his years as the Mayor of Rockville, President of the Maryland Municipal League, and his years on the County Council to assemble a private/public partnership to tackle the mission. Funding came from the state, Montgomery County, the federal government, the public and private industry. When the efforts looked like they would be short of the required funds, he enlisted the help of Barry Scher, President of Giant Foods in a public campaign to reach out to the citizens of Montgomery County to help reach the goal.
On July 17, 1992 the bridges were dedicated and reopened.
The Hanna family picked this spot for the bench, at the entrance to the path to Olmstead Island to celebrate the lives of their parents William (Bill) and Annette Hanna, two people who dedicated their lives to public service and fought to bring the joy of nature and Great Falls back to all of us.
In memory of Barbara and Sam Raff by the Raff Family
Great Falls Overlook Boardwalk: Mile marker 14.1
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Donated by the Estate of Hilda Carpenter
Great Falls: Mile marker 14.4
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In memory of Victor Schneider by the Paine Family
Great Falls River Trail: Mile marker 14.5
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Donated by the Tom Lippo and Kim Godley Family
Swains Lock downstream: Mile marker 16
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Swains Lock: Mile marker 16.7
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In memory of Violet Garoosi by her family
Violettes Lock: Mile marker 22.1
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Violettes Lock: Mile marker 22.1
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Seneca Creek Aqueduct: Mile marker 22.8
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In memory of Cory Matthew Jones by his family
Sycamore Landing: Mile marker 27.2
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Donated by Women of the book
Violettes Lock- Upriver: Mile Marker 22.8
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In memory of Karin Holtz – Karin was a beautiful woman, mother, spouse, innovative educator, musician and a cherished friend. For those of us lucky enough to have shared moments with her generous and open heart, and experience her boundless energy and compassion, she will always be near. Her family and friends hope others will be able to take a moment to be near a loved one and enjoy the beauty around us, as Karin did on her many walks along the canal.
Nothing Gold Can Stay
Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.
– Robert Frost
Donated by Bob and Eileen Rabson
Chisel Branch Hiker Biker Campsite: Mile Marker 30.5
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“We hiked the entire canal in 1989, over a period of 8 months, with friends. We only walked on weekends and holidays. We took two cars, after deciding how many miles to walk each time. My husband, Bob, kept a diary and photos of the hikes. He also painted the Monocacy Bridge, a favorite place for us”.
Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Edwards Ferry: Mile marker 30.7
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Whites Ferry: Mile marker 35.5
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Image by Nicholas Clements
In memory of Randy Astarb
Monocacy Aqueduct: Mile marker 42.2
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Monocacy Aqueduct: Mile marker 42.3
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Nolands Ferry: Mile marker 44.6
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Point of Rocks: Mile marker 48.2
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Catoctin Tunnel: Mile Marker 50.15
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In memory of Sam Himmelberger
Donated by Mildred Himmelberger
Lockhouse 29: Mile marker 50.8
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Sam was a loving husband, father and friend. He enjoyed the outdoors and especially loved biking on rail trails and the C&O Canal towpath. He would proudly tell anyone he met about completing the entire trail from end to end. As a retired history teacher, selecting a bench site close to Lockhouse 29, will provide a nice rest stop for all his history buffs friends.
Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Catoctin Creek Aqueduct: Mile marker 51.5
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In memory of Wolfgang and Odette Lehmann by their family and friends
Lock 34/Harpers Ferry: Mile marker 61.6
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Dargan Bend: Mile marker 65.2
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Antietam Aqueduct: Mile marker 69.3
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Lock 38 at Shepherdstown: Mile marker 72.8
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Snyders Landing at Sharpsburg: Mile marker 76.7
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Taylors Landing: Mile marker 80.5
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Taylors Landing Water Pump: Mile marker 82.5
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Dam #4: Mile marker 84.4
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Spring Dell Road: Mile marker 89.2
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Williamsport: Mile marker 89.2
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Cushwa Basin: Mile marker 99.5
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Lock 44 at Williamsport: Mile marker 99.8
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Gift Road: Mile marker 103
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Dam 5 Road: Mile marker 106
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Four Locks: Mile marker 108.7
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Four Locks Waste Weir: Mile Marker 109.3
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Big Pool: Mile marker 112.5
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Little Pool Campground: Mile marker 120.39
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Hancock Visitor Center: Mile Marker 122.8
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Hancock Day Use Area: Mile marker 124.1
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Lock 56: Mile Marker 136.2
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Fifteen mile Creek: Mile marker 140.9
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Paw Paw Tunnel: Mile marker 155.9
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Lock 67- Downriver: Mile Marker 161.5
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Oldtown: Mile marker 166.7
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Spring Gap: Mile Marker 172.7
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Donated by the Daofeng & Angela Foundation
Lock 75: Mile marker 175.6
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