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Description
The C & O Canal is the 184-mile (294 km) long waterway running along the Potomac River from the mouth of Rock Creek in Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland. The canal was planned as a western passage joining the Chesapeake Bay and the Ohio River. 12-foot (3.63m) wide paths alongside the canal were built for mules to pull barges of coal and goods.

Today, mules still pull tourist passenger barges through sections of the canal. In total it contains 74 locks and rises from near sea level to 605 feet. Though no longer in operation, the canal area is a popular spot for outdoor activities.

The canal was named a national monument in 1961 and became a national park 10 years later. It is run by the National Park Service and there are rangers on hand to answer questions.
Hobbies & Activities category: Biking opportunity;  Boating, sailing, water craft activities;  Hiking opportunity;  Industrial attraction, factory museum;  National park;  National Register of Buildings
Address
C & O Canal Visitors Center
1057 Jefferson Street NW
Washington, DC
United States
Map Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Phone 1 (202) 472-4376
http://www.nps.gov/choh/
Hours
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
OpenSunriseSunriseSunriseSunriseSunriseSunriseSunrise
ClosedSunsetSunsetSunsetSunsetSunsetSunsetSunset
Cost
Vehicle plus all occupants$5.00
Adult$3.00
Tips
Boats normally run from April to November
Vehicles are prohibited on the towpath.
No swimming in the canal.
Attractions Near Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Washington, Washington, D.C.
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