Hiking around the C&O Canal

Group of children walking away on a wooded trail

NPS Photo

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath was made for hiking. With over 40 parking sites along the canal, it's easy to find an access point and begin your upriver or downriver hike on the graded towpath. **At the current time, all C&O Canal Visitor Center sites are closed, and programs are limited. Please contact the park for updates. Thank you. **

There are additional trails throughout the park. To protect the habitat, please remain on marked trails. Visitor created "social trails" degrade the landscape and endanger delicate ecosystems. Remember #RecreateResponsibly !

 

Billy Goat Trail A Mile Marker 1

NPS / Nanette Nyce

In the Great Falls Tavern (MM 14.3) area, there are over a dozen trails, including the Billy Goat Trails (A, B & C), and the Gold Mine Loop and Spur. Trail lengths and difficulties vary from Easy to Strenuous. If you'd like to check out Billy Goat A online first, watch this video.

Further upriver, you can find the Ferry Hill Trail (MM 72.8) near Sharpsburg with wonderful views of the Potomac River as you walk from the Ferry Hill Mansion down to the towpath.

Williamsport (MM 99.8) has a self-guided Canal Walking Tour. Highlighted locations include the Cushwa warehouse, Trolley Barn power station, and two bridges over the canal - the Bollman (still in use) and the Railroad Lift Bridge. Half a mile down the towpath is lock 44 (MM 99.3) with its restored lockhouse.

 

Paw Paw Tunnel North Entrance

NPS - Stephanie Siemek

Closer to the end of the Canal is the Paw Paw Tunnel (MM 156.1). The towpath follows the canal through the Tunnel into Sorrel Ridge. If you'd prefer to make a loop of it, you can take the 2 mile long Tunnel Hill Trail, beginning and ending on the towpath, but going over Sorrel Ridge rather than through it

For your safety and comfort, please keep in mind the following:

• Bring water and food.
• Wear sturdy footwear.
• Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
• Know your location.
• Share the towpath with other users.
• Pack out all trash. Trash bags are provided at dispensers located throughout the park.

 

More Hikes to Enjoy

• 

  Explore the Birth Waters of a Nation

  Potomac Heritage Trail

  Potomac Heritage Trail Marker

• 

  Footpath for the People

  Appalachian National Scenic Trail

  Max Patch, North Caroline

• 

  Step Back in Time

  Maryland Heights Trail

  Overlook from Maryland Heights Trail of confluence of Potomac and Shenandoah River