Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

205 W Potomac St, Williamsport, MD 21795, USA

Address:	205 W Potomac St, Williamsport, MD 21795, USA
Phone:	+1 301-582-0813
Site:	nps.gov
Rating:	4.6

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 6

Prometheus

I just completed a bicycle trip this weekend with my daughter along the trail from Silver Spring to Brunswick, MD. In the spirit, hopefully, of constructive criticism, here are my experiences and thoughts... The idea was to cycle from our home in Silver Spring, MD to Harpers Ferry, WV. It didnt quite work out that way in the end. We nearly got there, but the trail conditions made it more of a chore than I was willing to accept. We cycled 18 miles along the Capital Crescent Trail, then along the C&O and camped at Swains Lock on June 2nd. There are water pumps at every campground, but the one at Swains Lock wasnt working. Fortunately I had a days supply on the bike, so water was not a pressing need - yet. We saw very few campers on the trail. We only saw one other tent in the campgrounds between DC & Brunswick. Lovely weather and we saw lots of nice scenery and wildlife. Not a big fan of the trail itself though - gravel, pebbles, pot-holes and the occasional mud patch made cycling very uncomfortable, slow and dangerous. I understand the trail is an historical towpath, and clearly part of its appeal lies in its preservation as such, but it would, I feel, take some imagination to honestly describe this as a trail fit for a bicycle. The first day was just 18 miles, and would normally take 2 hours tops, but it took me over 3 hours. The second day, with the state of the trail getting worse, I almost gave up and headed onto the road to Point of Rocks via Darnestown and Dickerson. But not having brought detailed road maps I decided to stick it out for one more day until we reached Brunswick. I reckon the state of the trail made cycling about twice as difficult and twice as slow as cycling on asphalt. The trip to Brunswick was 38 miles and we averaged about 5mph - about what a cyclist would expect over a poor dirt track (which is what the C&O Trail really is). That, and the lack of any nearby food and water supplies from Great Falls Tavern until Point of Rocks made it a bit of an endurance test. The supposedly potable water from pumps along the trail looked very suspicious - so much so that my daughter pleaded with me not to drink it. I think it was Chisel Branch where I found a dead deer in the canal within about ten yards of the water pump. This didnt exactly fill me with confidence about the water. Shortly thereafter we met a park ranger whom I notified about the deer - she was kind enough to offer us a couple of bottles of water. At Brunswick I cut the trip short and met my wife and we drove the final six miles to Harpers Ferry. I must admit, Ill not be trying this again until the surface is better-suited to bicycle travel - although Im not sure that will ever happen. My back just cant take all that jarring, and to be honest I was worried about the bike, since it was carrying/dragging about 350lbs-worth of humans, trailer-bike and equipment. I suppose it proved my bikes ability to withstand abuse, but still, not something Id ever think of repeating unless I was forced. It will be a lovely trail - fit even for bicycles - when its finished, LOL. Hopefully in the meantime, hikers and can get more out of it than I did.

Kitty Katz

This park blends history and nature to create an amazing experience. It is 184.5 miles long so I recommend that you stick to the Great Falls area. Here you will find the beautiful Great Falls Tavern visitors center which has a few small but interesting exhibits about the canals history. From here you can buy tickets for a 30 minute mule pulled boat ride, where you can travel through a lock and learn more about the canals interesting history. Afterwards you can hike the few dozen miles of trails in the area. Here are the trails I recommend: The Overlook Trail and Spur: This 0.5 mile trail has some pretty views of the canal and the Potomac, and toward its end you descend into a peaceful dell. Provides relief from heat and crowds. The Olmstead Island Trail: This breathtaking 0.2 mile boardwalk travels through two islands covered in rare bedrock forest. Several views of small falls on the Potomac are available. The Towpath: The Great falls section of the towpath passes several locks, and some canal-side grasslands. You might see a Great Blue Heron or turtle swimming here.

Vadim Shun

We enjoy boardwalk to waterfalls but my kids like most rock scramble on Billy Goats trail A. Billy Goat is divided into 3 sections and most interesting section (A) is easiest accessed from C&O Canal park on MD side by walking less than half a mile on C&O canal. My kids enjoy rock scrambling and have been making full loop ever since they hit age 5. Many sections require good balance and jumping between rocks so more difficult for little kids who cannot jump that far. If you are adventurous, bonus climb is a bit off the official trail - in the place where trail turns and curves away from the river inland, proceed forward through a small trail and try to climb the cliff ahead - it is fun, and if you make it you can see kayakers playing on MD Chute (or make it back to Anglers Inn lot if this is where you parked the car).

Evan Nevermore

This park is a triple threat. It is the epitome of MD parks. Its got easy flat trails for a leisure stroll, and if you want more of a challenge you can go off trail and rock scramble. Its loaded with history, there is lots to learn. There are free bikes you can borrow, or bring your own. You can kayak on the river (experienced people only I think) and did I mention that the scenery is astounding? Its $10 to park for a vehicle, $30 for a season pass. I really wish I was closer. The only drawback is that it can get very busy. Lots of tourists. You can get caught behind people walking very slowly. Lots of people taking pictures (I dont blame them). Some cyclists are inconsiderate and zip by you when they should warn you of their approach and not go so fast. If you want to rock scramble wear grippy shoes/boots.

CylonPuppet

One of my favorite places for a hike in the area. The towpath is very flat so its great for a nice leisurely stroll or bike ride and the Billy Goat Trail is an excellent option for those who want a more difficult hike. There is often lots of wildlife such as great blue herons, box turtles, snakes, etc. and the ruins of the canal contrast the natural scenery nicely. Olmstead Island is definitely the best place to view Great Falls in my opinion. Accessible from the towpath, the boardwalk passes over other smaller falls that are very impressive. The only negative thing is it can get a little crowded on the weekends especially when the weather is nice but its completely worth it.

Meyer Speary

A friend and I did the GAP and C and O. The C and O is OK, except there are trail maintenance issues. Just south of Cumberland for about 20 miles and a stretch south of Leesburg were very muddy and full of potholes. This was not after big rains either. I understand that the NPS is more concerned with historical preservation than recreation, but they are doing a poor job there too. Locks are rotting, filling in, and the few places where there is water, it is stagnant and full of invasive water plants. If you want to do a 3-4 day trip and have the choice of the GAP or C and O, the GAP is much better set up for cycling.