The area of Great Falls is one of the reasons for the C&O Canal needed to be built for boat traffic.
Photo: NPS photo
About
Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures.
Location
142 W. Potomac St.
Williamsport, MD 21795
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle$20.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$15.00
Entrance - Per Person$10.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups$100.00
Hours
wednesdaySunrise to Sunset
mondaySunrise to Sunset
thursdaySunrise to Sunset
sundaySunrise to Sunset
tuesdaySunrise to Sunset
fridaySunrise to Sunset
saturdaySunrise to Sunset
Activities
BikingRoad BikingBoatingBoat TourCampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingFishingFreshwater FishingGuided ToursBoat TourHikingFront-Country HikingHorse TrekkingHorseback RidingIce SkatingPaddling
Directions
The park has numerous access points. There is no main entrance. In Washington, DC, the C&O Canal begins at mile 0 in Georgetown near 29th St NW, south of M St, and runs alongside Canal Rd to the west. The entrance to Great Falls Tavern area is at MacArthur Blvd and Falls Rd in Potomac, MD. Park Headquarters and the Cushwa Basin Visitor Center are in Williamsport, MD off I-81 at exit 2. The Cumberland Terminus Visitor Center and mile 184.5 are off I-68 at exit 43C. See the maps page for more.
Get directions →Weather
The Washington, DC, area has a four-season Mid-Atlantic climate. Summertime is warm and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy. Precipitation averages 2-4” monthly, year-round. The climate gradually gets cooler and wetter further west along the canal where the elevation is higher.