Growing up in the four-state area, we often take our local sites and attractions for granted.  They are so close and easily accessible that we often ignore them in favor of more far-flung destinations or activities.  One of the many local gems that falls victim to this mindset is the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal.

Commissioned by President James Monroe and built between 1828 and 1850, the C&O Canal was intended to provide a reliable trade route from the Appalachian mountains to the ports and markets of the Mid-Atlantic coast [1].  A system of canal locks, aqueducts, and culverts covering over 180 miles from Cumberland, MD to Georgetown, DC was constructed and used by traders and merchants who navigated the waters in freight boats, gondolas, and canal barges (towed by mules along the canal’s adjacent towpath).  This allowed the commercial flow of goods such as coal, livestock, whiskey, and bricks to be transported from the western mountains to the eastern port cities.

The canal operated from 1850 to the early 1920’s, when faster and cheaper rail travel made the canal obsolete.  A series of devastating floods also did extensive damage to the canal, and it was deemed too expensive to repair in order to continue service.  Basically abandoned, in 1938 the canal was purchased by the National Park Service from the B&O Railroad and turned into a national historic site/park.

Since then, the canal has seen years and years of renovations (some of which are still ongoing to this day), turning this once mighty trade route into a beautiful and serene national park that includes the complete 180+ mile towpath that can be used as a hiking and biking trail.  Remains of many of the canal locks are visible along the route, and in some places (like Williamsport, MD), reconstruction of the lock systems can give visitors a glimpse of the technology and innovation used to operate the canal during its heyday.

There are many entry points all along the canal, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll or weekend bike ride along the well-maintained towpath.

Cooler temperatures and autumn color will soon be upon the four-state area.  There’s no better way to enjoy the outdoors than to plan a walk or bike ride on the C&O Canal.  You’ll be surrounded by history, beautiful scenery, and get some exercise to boot.  Block out an hour, an early evening, or an entire day and make plans to take advantage of this local resource.

For more information on the C&O Canal (along with maps), visit their website at www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm

[1] All facts and figures compiled from Wikipedia (2016) – “Chesapeake and Ohio Canal”  (retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chesapeake_and_Ohio_Canal )