Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Stretching alongside the Potomac River, C&O Canal National Historical Park preserves the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which was an operational transportation route from 1828 to 1924. The park spans over 20,000 acres across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and part of West Virginia, providing a scenic backdrop for a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can explore the canal's towpath, which offers nearly 184.5 miles of trail perfect for hiking and biking. The park is rich in both natural beauty and history, offering insights into 19th-century engineering, as well as a habitat for diverse flora and fauna, including great blue herons, turtles, and a wide array of wildflowers. Popular spots include Great Falls, with its dramatic waters, and historical lock houses scattered along the route that tell the story of the canal’s operation and the people who navigated its waters.
