The C&O Canal National Historical Park offers 184.5 miles of adventure and countless stories. The story of the canal is a story of people. Visionaries looked forward to a developed nation and saw a gateway west. Immigrants performed back-breaking labor constructing the manmade waterway in search of prosperity and a new beginning in America. From the beginnings of the Patowmack Canal, to Benjamin Wright, to the Civilian Conservation Corps, learn more about the people of the canal. Stop by the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center on Saturdays and Sundays this February to learn about the early history of the canal, including how George Washington shaped the C&O! Learn about George Washington’s life, explore his dream of a canal system along the Potomac River, and discover how that vision helped to shape American expansion and commerce for over a century. | | Lockhouse 10 Currently Closed for Reservations | | Photo credit: Paul Graunke | | |
DC Water is responding to a sanitary sewer overflow from the Potomac Interceptor in Montgomery County (near Lockhouse 10 within the C&O Canal National Historical Park).
The C&O Canal Trust has closed Lockhouse 10 for reservations until further notice. For more information, please follow official updates and guidance from DC Water.
| | Volunteers Make A Difference at Fletchers Cove | | On January 19, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 50 volunteers came together for a trash cleanup project at Fletchers Cove. They removed 1,000 pounds of trash, helping protect this heavily visited spot of the canal and Potomac River. A special thank you to Cub Scout Troop 255, Fletchers Cove parkrun, and the Colonial Dames for partnering with us. We're grateful to everyone who chose to spend the day of service making a tangible impact on the park and community! | | Photo credit: Trust Staff | | Students Discover the C&O Canal Through Canal Quarters | | Photo Credit: Francis Grant-Suttie | | The Canal Quarters team hosted Ideaventions Academy at Lockhouses 6, 21, and 25 for a 4-day intersession hiking-history adventure! High school students from Ideaventions Academy, led by school founder Ryan Heitz, started their journey by spending the day at Lockhouse 6 and walking the towpath into Georgetown. The next morning, they braved the cold weather and hiked 11 miles to Swains Lockhouse, where Trust staff gave a brief talk on the Swains Family. The students finished their journey with a 15 mile trek to Edward's Ferry, where they spent the night at Lockhouse 25. Thank you for joining us to learn more about the park and its history! | | Photo Credits: Trust Staff | | | | Photo Credit: Paul Graunke |
|  | Photo Credit: Francis Grant-Suttie |
| | Rileys Lock Invasive Species Removal Event | Join us on February 7 for a morning of invasive species management at Rileys Lock! Volunteers will help remove invasive vegetation to protect the park's natural resources and support native habitats. Pre-registration is required. We hope to see you there! | Photo Credits: Francis Grant-Suttie | | Girl Scout Leave No Trace Workshop | |
Join the Trust at the Carderock Recreation Area on March 28 from 10 am - 2 pm and earn your Eco Camper (Juniors) or Eco Trekker (Cadettes) badge. Through hands-on activities, they’ll learn the principles of Leave No Trace, explore ways to reduce their impact on nature, and practice skills for safe, responsible recreation.
More info and registration coming soon!
| Photo Credits: Trust Staff | | Book a Stay in History with Canal Quarters | | LOVE THE PARK? HELP THE TRUST! | | | | Friend-raising is as important as Fund-raising, and during American Heart Healthy Month, we'd like to thank you for having a big heart and supporting our End of Year 2025 Campaign in November and December. With the help of our Canal Community, we raised over $200,000! The Trust team is busy finalizing plans for a host of events designed to build our canal community, educate the public about the important role they can play as stewards restoring and protecting our treasured national park, and to join in celebrating America's 250th Birthday! Mark your calendars now - Park After Dark is September 19, 2026. Stay tuned for details! | | Trust Partners with Cushwa Brewing for a New Brew | | We are excited to announce the launch of a special C&O Canal-themed brew created by Cushwa Brewing to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States, and highlight the signifcance of the C&O Canal in our nation's early history. Starting in February, our "Dream of Passage" Ale will be available for your enjoyment! Proceeds from this brew will benefit the C&O Canal Trust to help protect and preserve the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Make sure you stop by to celebrate America's 250th birthday by supporting your local national park! | | Photo Credit: Jane Schmidt | | | | |
Our hats are back in time for A250! C&O Canal baseball hats and beanies are now in stock. Available in adult and youth sizes and a variety of colors, you're sure to find the perfect fit for your next trip to the C&O Canal. Get you hat today and support the park!
The gift shop supports the preservation of the C&O Canal and its history through the C&O Canal Trust.
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Each month, we'll be giving out clues about a creature that lives in the park! Guess which creature we are highlighting below and check out next month's Canal Connection for the answer.
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Clues:
This bird roosts in trees but is often found in open grassy areas, especially during the spring and summer. Nesting habitat is the most important and most limited for this species. This bird eats insects, plants, and seeds. Other birds, like owls, prey on young. This species has color vision 5 times more acute than humans and hearing 4 times better. What creature is this?
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Last Month's Answer:
Eastern Screech Owl
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| | | Congratulations to Leigh Scott, our first photo contest winner of the year! The winning entry this month was "A Snowy Day at Harpers Ferry". Be sure to vote in our February Photo Contest on Facebook! |
| Love the Park? Help the Trust! | | Proud Partner of the C&O Canal National Historical Park | |
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The C&O Canal Trust is the official nonprofit philanthropic partner of the
C&O Canal National Historical Park.
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