Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

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Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

For more information or to contact us, please visit our website at http://www.nps.gov/choh
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Preserving America's colorful Canal era and transportation history, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park is 184.5 miles of adventure. Originally, the C&O Canal was a lifeline for communities and businesses along the Potomac River as a coal, lumber, grain, and other agricultural products floated down the canal to market. In the 19th century the C&O Canal provided jobs and opportunit

ies for people throughout the Potomac River Valley. Today the canal's remains provide a place to recreate and enjoy nature, but most importantly they tell the story of the canal's important role in many aspects of American history. These include western expansion, transportation, engineering, the Civil War, immigration, industry, and commerce.

06/03/2026

At 225 years old, the Abner Cloud House at Fletchers Cove (mile 3.1) in Washington, DC, is among the oldest standing structures on the C&O Canal. The National Park Service works collaboratively with the Colonial Dames of America, Chapter III, in the ongoing preservation and interpretation of the Abner Cloud House and its history.

The Abner Cloud House will be open for tours on Sunday, June 7 from 12–4pm. Admission to Fletchers Cove and the Abner Cloud House is free; no registration is required.

For more information visit www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/fletchers-cove.htm

Photo of the Abner Cloud House from the park's archives.

06/01/2026

The National Park Service is restoring grasslands throughout the eastern United States. At part of this effort, the C&O Canal is restoring a 6 acre field at Ferry Hill (mile 72.8) in Sharpsburg, MD into a native grassland, which will boost biodiversity while providing habitat for birds, pollinators, and wildlife.

In order to successfully establish a grassland with native grasses and wildflowers, undesirable non-native plants must first be removed. While the fields are brown now during the reconstruction phase, they will thrive with color and activity within a few years after seeding.

Learn more at go.nps.gov/easterngrasslands

NPS photo of the field at Ferry Hill

05/26/2026

CURRENT CONDITIONS: Towpath between Mile Post 156.9 to 162.1 has reopened and the wash-out at Mile Marker 160.9 (below Town Creek) has been repaired.

River levels are still rising. Some areas of the park remain closed, trees have fallen across the park, and conditions may change unexpectedly. Please recreate responsibly and safely.

The National Park Service continues to gather reports to assess park land for flooding, washouts, and other damage. For updated information: go.nps.gov/choh_conditions

NPS Photos

05/25/2026

CURRENT CONDITIONS: Due to heavy rainfall over the past few days, water levels in area rivers and streams, including the Potomac River, are rising along the C&O towpath, and trees have fallen across the park. The current situation may change rapidly.

Some areas of the park are CLOSED. Towpath is closed between Mile Post 156.9 to 162.1. There is a minor wash-out at Mile Marker 160.9 below Town Creek. Also, Taylors Landing has been closed.

The National Park Service continues to gather reports to assess park land for flooding, washouts, and other damage. For updated information: go.nps.gov/choh_conditions

All visitors are encouraged to use caution. Do not attempt to cross washouts or high-water areas. Remain aware of rising water levels in the Potomac River and neighboring streams. High water may impact low areas of the park, and conditions may change unexpectedly. Be aware of possible debris on the towpath, flooding, washouts, and falling trees.

NPS Photos

04/17/2026

Scheduled Closure:

The Four Locks Road Tunnel (mile 108.5) is scheduled to be closed beginning April 20. This closure is expected to last through late Spring. The Four Locks Boat Ramp will be inaccessible while the tunnel is closed.

The towpath will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the project.

For more information on the project and park closures, visit our project webpage at go.nps.gov/threetunnels

NPS Photo from the inside of the Four Locks Tunnel.

04/14/2026

🚧 Know before you go: Temporary Lane Closure at Great Falls 🚧

Beginning Wednesday, April 15, visitors should expect a single-lane closure with flaggers along the Great Falls Access Road (MacArthur Blvd). This is the next phase of a long-term project to address the foundation of the roadway and the damaged streambanks that support the road.

🛠️ The single-lane lane closure will occur weekdays during normal daytime work hours. Work is anticipated to extend into early Summer 2026.

⚠️ Additional single-lane closures are planned in the coming months as more phases of the project are completed—thank you for your patience as we improve the roadway!

🔗 For updates on this project and other park conditions, visit:
go.nps.gov/choh_conditions

📸 NPS Photo: Road work on MacArthur Blvd at Great Falls, Maryland with "One Lane Road Ahead" sign.

04/07/2026

Great news from Oldtown, MD!

The fishing pier at mile 166.7 is officially complete and open for visitors to enjoy. This restored access point offers a beautiful spot for anglers, families, and canal explorers to cast a line and take in the scenery along the canal.

Oldtown is home to the long‑running annual Battie Mixon youth fishing rodeo. The rodeo is in its 78th year and draws hundreds of people annually, making this an especially exciting improvement for the area. Our maintenance team did a wonderful job bringing this project to completion!

Come check out the new accessible pier on your next visit!

NPS Photos | The newly constructed fishing pier along the canal in Oldtown, MD (mile 166.7)

04/02/2026

Scheduled Closure:

The vehicle bridge at Lander (mile 50.8 ) is scheduled to be replaced April 6-10. To facilitate the work, the access road leading to the bridge will be closed during construction at the railroad crossing and there will be no pedestrian access across the canal.

The Lander Parking Area and Boat Ramp will be inaccessible while the bridge is closed. The towpath will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the project.

For more information on the project and park closures, visit our website at go.nps.gov/choh_conditions

NPS Photo of the Lander Bridge with Lockhouse in the background.

03/23/2026

🚧 Know before you go: Temporary Lane Closure at Great Falls 🚧

Beginning Wednesday, March 25, visitors should expect a single-lane closure with flaggers along the Great Falls Access Road (MacArthur Blvd). This is part of a long-term project to address the foundation of the roadway and the damaged streambanks that support the road.

🛠️ Work will take place during normal business hours and is expected to last through the week.

⚠️ Additional single-lane closures are planned in the coming months as more phases of the project are completed—thank you for your patience as we improve the roadway!

🔗 For updates on this project and other park conditions, visit:
go.nps.gov/choh_conditions

📸 NPS Photo: Entrance sign for Great Falls Maryland on MacArthur Blvd

03/12/2026

Heads up—rockfall season is here!

As temperatures warm up, be on the lookout for falling rocks, especially in the park’s steep, rocky areas.

Rockfalls are powerful natural events that help shape the landscape, but they can also damage infrastructure and pose a risk to visitors. Spring is a particularly active time for rockfalls due to the freeze–thaw cycle: water seeps into cracks in the rock, freezes and expands, loosening stones. When snow melts or rain falls, the added moisture can further destabilize rocks by eroding the soil that helps hold them in place.

If you’re recreating near cliffs along the towpath, remember to look up and stay aware of your surroundings as you travel. Stay safe and enjoy the park!

NPS/Park Archives: A photo of seven workmen clearing a rockfall across the towpath in 1956.

Address

142 W. Potomac Street
Williamsport, MD
21795

Telephone

+13017394200

Website

http://www.nps.gov/choh/

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