Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

The C&O Canal follows the route of the Potomac River for 184.5 miles from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, MD. The canal operated from 1828-1924 as a transportation route, primarily hauling coal from western Maryland to the port of Georgetown in Washington, D.C. Hundreds of original structures, including locks, lockhouses, and aqueducts, serve as reminders of the canal's role as a transportation system during the Canal Era.
 

In addition, the canal's towpath provides a nearly level, continuous trail through the spectacular scenery of the Potomac River Valley. Every year millions of visitors come to hike or bike the C&O Canal in order to enjoy the natural, cultural, and recreational opportunities available.

Location: The C&O Canal stretches from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland.

• Cumberland is located in Cumberland, Maryland.
• Great Falls Tavern is located in Potomac, Maryland.
• Hancock is located in Hancock, Maryland.
• McCoy's Ferry is located in Williamsport, Maryland.
• Paw Paw Tunnel is located in Maryland, off of Rt. 51 just across the Potomac River from Paw Paw, WV.
• Williamsport is located in Williamsport, Maryland.

Field Studies offered:

• Alien Invaders
• Don't Get Sedimental
• Potomac Gorge
• Water Canaries
• Watershed Watchdogs

Study Sites:

Cumberland
	Field Studies available: Watershed Watchdogs, Alien Invaders, Don't Get Sedimental Habitat: Lowland forest; river/stream bank Terrain: Approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the main parking lot. Flat, with a bit of a downhill, terrain to the stream's edge; trail can be quite muddy in places. Sparse vegetation at the stream bank, including poison ivy. Suitable for the disabled Facilities: Restrooms located in Shops at Canal Place or in Western Maryland Railway Station.
Great Falls Tavern
	Field Studies available: Water Canaries, Watershed Watchdogs, Don't Get Sedimental, Alien Invaders, Potomac Gorge Habitat: Lowland forest; river/stream bank Terrain: Approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the main parking lot. Flat, even terrain to the stream's edge; trail can be quite muddy in places. Vegetation at the stream bank, including poison ivy. Less than a three-foot bank in most places to access stream bed. Stream shallow under normal water conditions - mid -calf or lower. Facilities: Restrooms near Visitor Center, 10-15 minute walk Suitable for the disabled, though the distance to site may be a factor. Additional Info: During the winter months, the park service drains the canal, making Water Canaries and Watershed Watchdogs difficult. Can accommodate up to 80 students, as long as they are split into two groups, one which will be doing the field study with one hiking, and then they will switch.
Hancock
	Field Studies available: Canaries, Watershed Watchdogs, Alien Invaders, Don't Get Sedimental Habitat: Lowland forest; river/stream bank Terrain: Approximately a 5-7 minute walk from the main parking lot. Steep and rocky trail to the stream's edge; trail can be quite muddy in places. Sparse vegetation at the stream bank, including poison ivy. Less than a three-foot bank in most places to access stream bed. Stream shallow under normal water conditions - mid -calf or lower. It is a river, so it is deep, but the section we work in is shallow. Not suitable for the disabled. Facilities: Restrooms at Visitor Center, 5-7- minute walk
McCoy's Ferry
	Field Studies available: Watershed Watchdogs, Alien Invaders, Don't Get Sedimental Habitat: Lowland forest; river/stream bank Terrain: A one minute walk to the Conocheague Creek via a slight grassy knoll. There is vegetation at the creek bank which can be muddy. There are several areas along the towpath for Alien Invaders: a 2-7 minute flat walk and plenty of vegetation. Some sections not suitable for the disabled. Facilities: at Visitor Center, 5-7- minute walk.
Paw Paw Tunnel
	Field Studies available: Alien Invaders Habitat: river/stream bank Terrain: Approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the main parking lot. Flat, even terrain to the tunnel; trail can be quite muddy in places. When in the tunnel, it is very dark and muddy Campground and towpath area are suitable for the disabled. Tunnel is not suitable for the disabled. Facilities: Porta-pots located at parking area.
Williamsport
	Field Studies available: Watershed Watchdogs, Alien Invaders, Don't Get Sedimental Habitat: Lowland forest; river/stream bank Terrain: A one minute walk to the Conocheague Creek via a slight grassy knoll. There is vegetation at the creek bank which can be muddy. There are several areas along the towpath for Alien Invaders: a 2-7 minute flat walk and plenty of vegetation. Some sections not suitable for the disabled. Facilities: Restrooms at Visitor Center, 5-7- minute walk.

For more information on C&O Canal National Historical Park, including directions, visitor information and hours of operation, visit their official website: http://www.nps.gov/choh/