Last updated: April 12, 2024
Place
C&O Canal Lock 62
Paul Graunke
Quick Facts
Amenities
2 listed
Toilet - Vault/Composting, Water - Non-Potable
Along the 184.5 miles of the canal are 74 lift locks. These locks were put into place to help boats overcome the 605-foot elevation change between Georgetown and Cumberland. The C&O Canal is like a staircase, canal boats traveled along the flat sections and used the locks to take a “step up or down” about 8 feet. The locks typically had hand-operated miter gates that were simple and followed Leonardo da Vinci’s original 1485 design. Entering the lock was the most demanding part of canalling.
Lock 62 is the 5th of the 13 upper locks that was constructed as a “composite lock”, or a lock made with more than one material. It is made of kyanized (treated) wood and uncut stone. Some wood lining remains along the rock wall, while several other sections have been replaced by concrete. Although majority of the locks lifted and lowered boats about 8 feet, this lock had a 10-foot lift.
On the other side of the lock is a bypass flume that allowed water to bypass the lock to water the level below. Adjacent to the towpath is the concrete foundation of the lockhouse.
Lock 62 is the 5th of the 13 upper locks that was constructed as a “composite lock”, or a lock made with more than one material. It is made of kyanized (treated) wood and uncut stone. Some wood lining remains along the rock wall, while several other sections have been replaced by concrete. Although majority of the locks lifted and lowered boats about 8 feet, this lock had a 10-foot lift.
On the other side of the lock is a bypass flume that allowed water to bypass the lock to water the level below. Adjacent to the towpath is the concrete foundation of the lockhouse.