Washington - Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
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.
Today, mules still pull tourist passenger barges through sections of the canal.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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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.
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.
