Plan Your Drive Along the C&O Canal Scenic Byway

Frederick County, Maryland Travel Information

Planning a drive along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Scenic Byway in Frederick County, Maryland means following the Potomac River through one of the region’s most historic and scenic corridors.

Start your journey in the canal towns of Point of Rocks or Brunswick, where easy access to the C&O Canal Towpath, river overlooks, and historic sites makes it simple to explore at your own pace. In Brunswick, stop at the Brunswick Railroad Museum to understand how rail and canal history shaped the town and the wider Mid-Atlantic region before continuing along the river.

Explore Brunswick's history at the Brunswick Heritage Museum

Just minutes from the Frederick County line, the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center provides orientation to one of the most significant historic landscapes in the country, where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet. The scenic byway places visitors within easy reach of Harpers Ferry’s trails, museums, and preserved 19th century streets.

Plan for overlooks, towpath access points, canal towns, and riverside stops along the way. Whether you are cycling, hiking, sightseeing, or simply enjoying the drive, the C&O Canal Scenic Byway offers a flexible route through history, small towns, and outdoor adventure.

Plan Your Trip