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 fo
Yes — your pass gets you in.
Your pass covers the $20 park entrance fee.
- Fee type Entrance fee — The standard per-vehicle park entrance fee. Entrance - Private Vehicle: $20Entrance - Motorcycle: $15Entrance - Per Person: $10Entrance - Non-commercial Groups: $100Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach: $100
- HoursThe towpath is open 365 days a year.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 301-739-4200 · CHOH_Information@nps.gov
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 Head
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Yes Does the America the Beautiful pass work at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park?
Yes — your pass covers the entrance fee here.
Yes Can you fish at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you camp at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Angler's Spur, Berma Road, Billy Goat Trail, Section A, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Nearby sites
NPS National Park Service Great Falls Park
ConfirmedYour pass covers the $20 park entrance fee.
NPS Photo / N. Adams National Park Service Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
