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!
Washington County boasts 78 miles of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, stretching East to West from Knoxville to Hancock. The Canal's legacy is vividly etched into the fabric of its three Canal Towns: Hancock, Sharpsburg, and Williamsport. Bordered by the Potomac River, from Hancock, the westernmost point, near Sideling Hill, to the historically rich Sharpsburg, nestled near the Antietam Battlefield, and the bustling port of Williamsport, each town tells a unique chapter of the canal's story.
Adventures await! Whether you're seeking historical immersion, outdoor recreation, or a taste of local culture, the C&O Canal in Washington County provides a unique blend of past and present.
There is so much to see and do right on the Canal and the closely adjacent Potomac River. On the weekends, stop at the Visitor Center in Williamsport. Check out their ranger-led tour schedule, rent bikes. or do your own thing - hiking, biking, paddling, birdwatching, fishing, and more. Go white water rafting or kayaking on the Potomac with any of our trusted Outfitters. Bring your own kayak to Big Pool, a natural pool on the Canal. Nearby is Fort Frederick State Park. The Canal passes through the Park, and borders the Potomac. The Fort features American history from the colonial period and it served as Maryland’s frontier defense during the French and Indian War. See more must see and do adventures below!
Delectable dining, craft beverages, and unexpected experiences await in our quaint historic towns. Go spelunking at the enchanting Crystal Grottoes Caverns in Boonsboro, Maryland’s only “show-cave.” While in Boonsboro, visit Turn the Page Bookstore, owned by author Nora Roberts. She also owns several other shops along Main Street. Stay at her renowned B&B, Inn Boonsboro on the Square. Walk a portion of the Appalachian Trail with a visit to Washington Monument State Park. Be sure to include a stop at Antietam National Battlefield, location of a pivotal battle of the Civil War led to Abraham Lincoln's issuance of the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Antietam National Battlefield is one of the most pristine Civil War battlefields in the country. In Hagerstown, enjoy some minor league baseball at Meritus Park, home of the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars!
Other ways to jump off the Canal:
Grapes & Grains Guide: Our taste-makers craft some of the world’s most beautifully balanced and vibrant wines, as well as aromatic and distinctive brews, ciders and spirits. The scenic vistas are breathtaking. Sip, swill, and soak in the beauty of the foothills of the Appalachians. Experience a truly memorable getaway as you work your way through this Grapes & Grains Guide.
Pottery Trail: The Pottery Trail celebrates our rich agricultural history and cultural vitality of the area, as well as the longstanding connection between pottery, nature and food. The artisans are creating pieces that range from elegance to the everyday. When an artist creates in collaboration with the spirit of their location, it becomes a treasure of a lifetime. Imagine your culinary creations in a beautifully hand-crafted bowl. Need the perfect gift for a loved on that promises to be unique.
