Things to Do Along the C&O Canal Scenic Byway in Frederick County, MD

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Scenic Byway in Frederick County, Maryland offers far more than a scenic drive along the Potomac River. It invites you to explore canal towns shaped by water, railroads, and generations of travelers who once passed through this historic corridor.

Start by exploring the streets of Brunswick or Point of Rocks, where historic buildings and river views still define daily life. Step inside a local boutique or browse an antiques shop where pieces of the past wait for a second story. Walk across a historic aqueduct along the C&O Canal and stand where 19th century engineers solved problems with grit and persistence.

When it is time to refuel, the canal towns deliver. Grab a burger at Boxcar Burger, enjoy a coffee inside the soaring former church walls of Beans in the Belfry, or cool off with a cone at Rocky Point Creamery after a day on the towpath. Order a locally brewed pint at Smoketown Brewing, housed in a historic fire station, or sample Puerto Rican rum at Puerto Rico Distillery, where Caribbean heritage meets Maryland craftsmanship.

Find Inspiration Along the C&O Canal