About This Park
The Potomac River corridor is rich in both history and recreation, offering a chance to both explore your heritage and choose your adventure along the way. Start your journey here!
Activities
Current Alerts
Trail Closure at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve (McLean, Virginia)
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in McLean, Virginia will close, beginning February 16th, for an urgent sewer project to renew and rehabilitate the Scott's Run Siphon wastewater facility. All trails and parking lots in the park are closed for approximately three months.
More detailsTrail Closure at Veterans Park at Balls Bluff (Leesburg, Virginia)
Veterans Park in Leesburg, Virginia, is closed for park improvements. All trails in the park are closed until Spring 2026.
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Photos
Great Allegheny Passage is a bicyclist enthusiasts' dream come true!
Credit: NPS Photo
Bluebells flowering on the towpath
Credit: NPS Photo / Stephanie Spencer
Plan Your Visit
Always open
The Trail is open year-round, weather permitting. Our partners who manage specific sections of the trails may have seasonal openings and closings. Please refer to our Operating Hours & Seasons page for more information.
Visitor Centers
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center - Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
The Great Falls Tavern (also historically known as the Crommelin House) originally functioned as one of the many lockhouses along the canal and serviced thousands of cargo and excursion boats that passed through Lock 20 on the way to and from Cumberland, MD and Georgetown in Washington, DC. Today the Great Falls Tavern remains a hub of activity as it acts as one of C&O Canal National Historical Park's visitor centers. Here, visitors can get information about the park's programs, hiking trails, and history.
11710 MacArthur Blvd.Potomac, MD 20854
Operating Hours
From Washington DC: Take M Street to fork. Follow either MacArthur Blvd, the right fork or take Canal Road, the fork to the left. MacArthur Blvd.: Follow MacArthur until the entrance to the Great Falls section of the park, approximately 8 miles. Canal Road: Follow to Chain Bridge. At stop light continue straight. Canal Road changes into Clara Barton Parkway. Follow Clara Barton Parkway to the end. At the stop sign, turn left onto MacArthur Blvd., and follow it for 3.5 miles until it ends at the park.
More detailsWilliamsport Visitor Center - Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
The Cushwa Basin Visitor Center in Williamsport is located at mile 99.8 along the C&O Canal towpath in Washington County, MD. Situated at the confluence of the Conococheague Creek and the Potomac River, Williamsport was first settled in 1740. A half-mile rewatered section of canal leads through the turning basin, under the only railroad lift bridge on the canal, and continues to Lockhouse 44 and the adjacent lock. The Conocheague Aqueduct is located across from the turning basin.
205 West Potomac St.Williamsport, MD 21795
Operating Hours
Alternate Parking at C&O Canal Park Headquarters (142 W Potomac St, Williamsport, MD) and Lock 44 (at the end of Main St, Williamsport, MD).
More detailsGreat Falls Tavern Visitor Center - Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
The Great Falls Tavern (also historically known as the Crommelin House) originally functioned as one of the many lockhouses along the canal and serviced thousands of cargo and excursion boats that passed through Lock 20 on the way to and from Cumberland, MD and Georgetown in Washington, DC. Today the Great Falls Tavern remains a hub of activity as it acts as one of C&O Canal National Historical Park's visitor centers. Here, visitors can get information about the park's programs, hiking trails, and history.
11710 MacArthur Blvd.Potomac, MD 20854
Operating Hours
From Washington DC: Take M Street to fork. Follow either MacArthur Blvd, the right fork or take Canal Road, the fork to the left. MacArthur Blvd.: Follow MacArthur until the entrance to the Great Falls section of the park, approximately 8 miles. Canal Road: Follow to Chain Bridge. At stop light continue straight. Canal Road changes into Clara Barton Parkway. Follow Clara Barton Parkway to the end. At the stop sign, turn left onto MacArthur Blvd., and follow it for 3.5 miles until it ends at the park.
More detailsThings to Do
Multi-Park Loop
Park your car and stretch your legs! Visit four different National Parks in Washington, DC and begin logging miles on se...
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Bike the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Prince William Forest Park
Discover Northern Virginia's best kept secret and bike along the park’s Scenic Drive.
Duration: 1-3 Hours
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Skiing and Snowshoeing the C&O Canal Towpath
During the winter months, the C&O Canal may accumulate enough snow for winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing. Vi...
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Explore the Trails at Meadowood
Hike, Bike, and Horseback Ride at Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area.
Duration: 1-4 Hours
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Skiing and Snowshoeing the Great Allegheny Passage
Although it is not groomed for cross-country skiing, the Great Allegheny Passage offers a beautiful winter landscape for...
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Bicycle Confluence to Big Savage Mountain
To reach Big Savage Mountain on the Eastern Continental Divide loop, bicycle 46 miles from Confluence (GAP Mile 61.3) to...
Duration: 1-2 Days
Learn morePart of the 9/11 Trail
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is one of the National Park Service sites connected by the 9/11 National Memorial Trail, a 1,500+ mile pathway of remembrance linking the three 9/11 memorial sites.
Park information provided by the National Park Service. Data refreshed daily.