Last updated: September 5, 2021
Place
C&O Canal Lock 8 (Seven Locks)
![The water filled canal runs through a lock. A white lockhouse sits to the left.](/common/uploads/cropped_image/primary/22CFBDB2-B8A7-0D95-AD62C374D19A7756.jpg?width=1600&quality=90&mode=crop)
Paul Graunke
Quick Facts
Amenities
3 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table
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 eight 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.
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