Skip to main content
Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Greenway, Maryland · Montgomery County

Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway fo…

Advertisement
39.00028, -77.24814
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High77°F
Avg Low54°F
Peak Rain Chance10%
Humidity52%
UV (avg)8
Air Quality29 · Good
Today
☀️
Clear
76°/50°
🌬 6mph
5:45 AM8:27 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
78°/53°
💧 2%🌬 10mph
5:45 AM8:28 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
74°/57°
💧 5%🌬 11mph
5:44 AM8:29 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
76°/54°
💧 4%🌬 11mph
5:44 AM8:30 PM
Thu
Partly Cloudy
81°/56°
💧 10%🌬 8mph
5:44 AM8:30 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures.

How to Get There

The park has numerous access points. There is no main entrance. In Washington, DC, the C&O Canal begins at mile 0 in Georgetown near 29th St NW, south of M St, and runs alongside Canal Rd to the west. The entrance to Great Falls Tavern area is at MacArthur Blvd and Falls Rd in Potomac, MD. Park Headquarters and the Cushwa Basin Visitor Center are in Williamsport, MD off I-81 at exit 2. The Cumberland Terminus Visitor Center and mile 184.5 are off I-68 at exit 43C. See the maps page for more.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Heading to Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

No central reservation system listed for Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/2632) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

The park has numerous access points. There is no main entrance. In Washington, DC, the C&O Canal begins at mile 0 in Georgetown near 29th St NW, south of M St, and runs alongside Canal Rd to the west. The entrance to Great Falls Tavern area is at MacArthur Blvd and Falls Rd in Potomac, MD. Park Headquarters and the Cushwa Basin Visitor Center are in Williamsport, MD off I-81 at exit 2. The Cumberl…

How do I contact Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park?

You can reach the park at phone: (301) 739-4200 or email: CHOH_Information@nps.gov.