C&O National Historical Park Travel Magnet

The C&O Canal National Historical Park stretches for 184 miles along the Potomac River, preserving the historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal that once served as a major transportation route for coal, lumber, and agricultural goods. The park’s signature feature is the towpath—a flat, scenic trail that follows the old canal from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., all the way to Cumberland, Maryland. Today it’s one of the most beloved long-distance biking and walking routes in the Mid-Atlantic, passing locks, stone aqueducts, restored lockhouses, and quiet riverside forests. The mix of nature and history gives the park a uniquely calm and nostalgic atmosphere. Along the route, visitors can explore highlights such as Great Falls, one of the most dramatic natural sights near D.C., and the Paw Paw Tunnel, a 3,118-foot engineering marvel carved through a mountain. Wildlife is abundant, from herons and turtles to deer and occasional bald eagles. With its blend of outdoor recreation, historical interpretation, and peaceful landscapes, the C&O Canal National Historical Park offers an ideal escape for cyclists, hikers, families, and anyone looking to experience a slower pace along the Potomac.