C&O Canal Towpath - Great Falls Area

George Washington and his Pawtomack Company buddies came up with the idea for a canal along the Potomac River. However, hikers and bikers actually have the ill-fated Chesapeake and Ohio Company to thank for the canal towpath trail. GW built his version of the canal on the Virginia side of the river - you can visit Great Falls Park in Virginia to see the remains. As for the Chesapeake and Ohio Company, their early 19th century business venture on the Maryland side of the Potomac failed, but the company's unintended contribution to society was the C&O Canal National Historical Park (NHP).

C&O Canal vista near Great Falls area

The Trail

C&O Canal Towpath Trail

The canal and its accompanying towpath trail extend 184.5 miles from Georgetown to Cumberland, MD. Perhaps the most popular section of the park, and rightfully so, is the four miles between Angler's Inn (mile marker 12.6) and Swain's Lock (16.6). The highlights are numerous: Great Falls Overlook (14.0), Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center (14.3), Billy Goat Trail Section A access points (12.9 and 13.8), and last but not least, seven canal locks (locks 15 through 21). The towpath trail itself is hard-packed dirt and generally wide enough for users to walk side-by-side (cyclists however should ride single-file when passing). If you visit this Saturday (April 18th), say hello to the 250+ volunteers participating in the Great Falls kick-off to C&O Canal Pride Days hosted by the C&O Canal Trust. Or better yet, join them!

Trail Stats: 184.5 miles - Georgetown to Cumberland, MD
Trail Type: Hard-pack natural surface, bicyclists permitted
Administration: National Park Service - C&O Canal NHP Palisades District

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