Canal Towns Along the C&O Canal Scenic Byway in Frederick County, MD

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Scenic Byway includes a string of communities shaped by water, rail, and the steady movement of people and goods along the Potomac River. 

In Frederick County, the canal towns of Point of Rocks and Brunswick tell the story of transportation’s rise, decline, and reinvention. Each town offers direct access to the C&O Canal towpath, scenic river views, and a tangible connection to the 19th century canal and railroad era that helped define this region.

Point of Rocks

Point of Rocks is where geography forced engineers to make a choice.

Here, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad competed for space along a narrow stretch of the Potomac River. The result was one of the most dramatic transportation rivalries in American history - still visible in the landscape today.

The town’s iconic 1876 Point of Rocks train station, built in striking Gothic Revival style, remains one of the most photographed railroad stations in Maryland. Just steps away, visitors can access the C&O Canal towpath and the Potomac River, where canal boats once passed and trains still run along the cliffs. You’ll also find incredible ice cream at Rocky Point Creamery just a mile up the road. 

Brunswick

Farther west along the byway, Brunswick tells the story of a railroad boomtown finding its next chapter.

Once a major hub for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, Brunswick thrived on rail traffic and industry. Today, the town is experiencing a thoughtful revitalization as it embraces its history while building a future rooted in tourism and outdoor recreation.

Visitors will find locally owned restaurants, a brewery, shops, and welcoming streets just steps from the C&O Canal towpath. The town offers easy access to hiking, biking, and river activities, making it a perfect base for exploring the scenic byway. Brunswick is also home to the Brunswick Heritage Museum, where exhibits trace the intertwined stories of the canal, the railroad, and the people who built their lives along both.

Together, Point of Rocks and Brunswick anchor the C&O Canal Scenic Byway in Frederick County - communities now inviting travelers to slow down and explore.