The Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal stretches 184 miles in length between Georgetown and Cumberland, MD. Chartered in 1825, the C&O Canal was built to connect the Potomac River in DC to the headwaters of the Ohio River in western Pennsylvania. The canal remained in use until 1924 when competition from the B&O Railroad ended its commercial use.
Today the C&O Canal’s towpath is used by joggers and cyclists. Visitors can also take a ride on either one of two canal boats, The Georgetown or The Charles F. Mercer, during the spring, summer and autumn months. The boats are pulled by miles and Park Rangers provide a historical tour.
Visitors can reach the Visitors Center in Georgetown by taking the Metro to the Foggy Bottom metro stop. From there it is just a short walk.