Look no further, here is everything you'll need to know when road tripping to the C&O Canal for outdoor adventure. Celebrating more than 50 years as a National Park, the C&O Canal provides visitors with a wealth of opportunities for education and outdoor recreation along its 184.5 miles. This popular destination ranked eighth among the most visited National Parks in 2020. The park boasts historical, natural, and recreational treasures that will have you road-tripping there in no time.
Below are a few tips to help you plan for your next adventure.
PLAN FOR FUN
Photo credit: Sam Judge
The park is free to enter and has multiple access points along its 184.5-mile stretch. The trail follows the old towpath and runs adjacent to the mighty Potomac River. There's a wide range of outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, boating, birding, horseback riding, and fishing. This park planner will assist with planning as it has a recreational guide by milepost. History enthusiasts will find these three "Trail to History” brochures helpful. A large part of planning for fun is to be prepared for any occasion. Remember to bring water and food, wear a hat and sturdy footwear, apply sunscreen, and know your location at all times. Of course, for an occasion such as this, you may want to consider buying C&O Canal-themed merchandise at The Road Trip Mercantile. Not only do they have great merchandise, but a portion of every sale will also be donated to the Canal Towns Partnership.
KNOW THE HISTORY (or maybe some of it)
It’s helpful to have a little background knowledge about the park, but for those who would like to dig a little deeper, there are plenty of resources on the web. The C&O Canal Trust is of the most comprehensive sites.
The canal was once a transportation route that moved coal, lumber, and agricultural products between Cumberland, MD, and Washington, DC. Construction began in 1828 and took many years to complete. Sometimes referred to as the “Grand Old Ditch,'' the canal has an elevation change of 605 feet, which required the construction of 74 canal locks, 11 aqueducts to cross major streams, and a major tunnel (Paw Paw Tunnel) to be built. These architectural and engineering marvels are enjoyed by millions of visitors to the park each year. Much of the C&O Canal lies within The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area and was important to both sides of the Civil War. The Union army used it for transporting troops and war supplies while Confederates tried to damage canal aqueducts and impair barge traffic.
One person can make a difference! Justice William O. Douglas took action to save this beautiful refuge from being turned into a paved road. Read more on the National Park Service website about why the park was officially dedicated to the man who saved the canal.
NURTURE NATURE
The C&O Canal is one of the most biologically diverse parks in the National Park system, especially in regard to plant species. As a result, rare species occur in the park and are known to exist only in a few other places in the Mid-Atlantic region. Notably, a member of the tropical plant family, the pawpaw tree is a small understory tree with large deep green leaves, and it produces green fruit in the Fall. The fruit is considered delicious by many and is compared to a banana mixed with mango, vanilla, pineapple, and citrus flavors. The Park allows visitors to pick and take home ½ gallon of pawpaws per person per day. To protect the natural resources, such as plant and animal communities, the park is closed to unauthorized motorized vehicles.
BE COURTEOUS
TRAVEL TOWPATH TO TOWN (or town to towpath)
Small town charm awaits! Fourteen historic communities invite you to explore history, heritage, culture, and architecture while enjoying charming shops and boutiques, restaurants, wineries, breweries, and lodging. A canal town can be a starting point for a day ride, hike, or paddle. Finish your day by visiting a local attraction and getting lunch or dinner at a local restaurant, like Beans in the Belfry located in Brunswick, MD. Enjoy each town’s unique historic architecture, museums, and culture. Utilize the Towpath to Town brochure to find local Canal Town businesses.
