Clio Logo

This entry is saved as a draft, but has not been submitted for review.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

The C&O canal stretches all across Maryland, from Cumberland MD to D.C. it is 184.5 miles long and was originally built in the 1800s but is now used as a hiking/walking trail for people in the local area. The canal is still preserved in its original condition but is no longer used how it once was. The canal as a whole has smaller trails along the way, each offering a different view of the state. The trails are pet-friendly and are great to bring friends, family, and dogs! There are many spots along the way where you can sit and have a quick bite to eat! There are many parking lots for visitors to park at, but some do charge to park. The cost for parking is between $10-$20 depending on when you go and if you are on foot or in a car. There is also an option to get an annual pass that lets you in at any of the trails along the canal. The canal opens at 7am and closes at 7pm.

Images

Water, Plant, Water resources, Sky

Billy Goat Trail

Cloud, Water, Sky, Water resources

Great Falls

Water, Plant, Sky, Water resources

Canal

Water, Plant, Building, Body of water

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

To local Marylanders, the C&O Canal is a nice local walk with a pretty view, but back in the 1800s, the canal served a huge purpose. The canal stretches across 20,000 acres and acted as a source of transportation from the mountains all the way down to the Chesapeake Bay. Construction of the canal began in 1828 but was finished in 1850. The canal was built with a large walkway along the side for mules to walk along and transport goods to surrounding areas. The mules were used to pull the ship along the canal. Some of the main goods that were transported on the canal were lumber and coal. Although the canal served a great purpose in American history, it also played a part in some of the darker times. To build the canal, hundreds of selves were purchased and pushed through harsh weather conditions to complete the canal. To keep the canal up and running, it also required people and animals to operate the canal. Today many people only walk a portion of the canal, considering its length, and admire the beautiful view the surrounding nature has to offer. It would take about six hours to drive along the canal today. People all around the world come to see the canal and the many challenges it offers, such as biking the whole path.

Sources

Accessed January 30th 2021. https://www.visitmaryland.org/scenic-byways/chesapeake-ohio-canal.

  • On this website, you can find numerous things to do and learn about in the state of Maryland. Specifically, on the C&O Canal section of the website, you can learn about the history of the canal. The website also is helpful for tourists when trying to find how to access the canal. The canal itself stretches for about 236 miles, but you can access different parts of the trail and learn more about the trail as you walk along with it.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, National Park Service. Accessed February 28th 2021. https://www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm.

  • This source is good for anyone looking for more information on National Parks. Focusing on the C&O Canal portion of the website, it talks about the different sub parks that are part of the canal and their individual significance. You can find videos that go more in-depth about the canal today and its history. If you are planning a visit to the parks, this website will give you updates on their current condition. The website also mentions different activities tourists can do when visiting. The site is also useful for people who are looking to schedule events or educational trips.

Billy Goat Trail - Potomac , MD, Hiking Upward. Accessed March 28th 2021. https://www.hikingupward.com/OMH/BillyGoatTrail/.

  • This source is a good source for anyone who is a beginner in hiking. The site gives great information about the trail, and how long it will take to hike the trail. They also give a detailed list of how to get to the tail, where to park, and times you should go. The website also has a community space for other hikers to communicate with each other.

C&O/GAP Info, Bike Cando. Accessed March 28th 2021. https://bikecando.com/.

  • This source gives a backstory and current information about the trails on the C&O Canal. The website has pictures of the trails and animals you may see along the way. The website also has helpful tools a visitor can use to help their trip run smoothly. There are detailed maps highlighting the trails and trails that are safe to bike on. There is also a discussion board for additional information.

Montgomery, Visit. Everything You Need to Know About Visiting The C&O Canal, Montgomery, MD. October 7th 2020. Accessed March 28th 2021. https://visitmontgomery.com/blog/see-do/everything-you-need-to-know-about-visiting-the-co-canal/.

  • This is a great source for people who are first-time visitors to the trail. There is detailed information about parking and the costs for going to the trail. There is also a quick rundown on the best places to stop and take pictures and the must-see spots along the trail. There is also a section that talks about activities that may be going on at the trail along with the wildlife that you may come across. The website also has pictures the reader can look at to get a sense of the trail.

Additional Information