C&O Canal

Chesapeake and Ohio canal used to bring food into D.C. An adjacent horse path pulled loads upstream.

Rebel review: 4

This is a review I hesitate to write. That's true from time to time.

The reason is this place is just great. But part of what makes it great is that it is relatively under-used. So a rave review likely will increase the number of people enjoying the venue. That will lead, eventually but inexorably, to too much of a crowd. It's not a hypothetical risk. If you visit national parks or Alaska or other destinations that have long since been discovered, you might lament how so many have been and continue to be overrun by tourists who aren't that much different than you or me, but all of us see others are not ourselves and hence not as deserving of the peace and quiet and scenery and everything else that draws people to natural sites. In particular — and this reveals my bias as someone on two feet and not two wheels — the volume of bicycles is low. There isn't a risk of being run over.

In the summer or in nice weather, many stretches of the towpath are already, by the standards I have in mind, overrun. However, I just went out today in January (just above freezing, and yesterday it was sleeting and I was there then as well), and there were a few folks out, probably most of them with dogs, and it was perfect — a scale that encourages you to say hello as you pass, because you all belong to the club of folks who appreciate the same secret. There also are places off the beaten path (though the whole thing is of course an abandoned path).

It isn't just the calm that is compelling. The path is basically flat and straight, meaning anyone who would have difficulty hiking the terrain even nearby will have no difficulty: you could recommend this stroll to the elderly or the disabled, to families or even groups of children, without qualms. The views include interesting wooded sections, the river, and development on the other side that is sufficiently sparse and far away to not feel like encroachment on the wild. The noise at its worst, from nearby traffic, is tolerable, and at various points is not discernible.

If you really get into it, multiple race organizers hold half marathons and other runs here. I've done several, from Georgetown out to Carderock.

A cool free activity in Georgetown. It's cool seeing the past put to good use. The canal goes right through Georgetown and there's a convenient walkway. Bicycling is also good to do here. Much better than walking along the crowded M Street.

Canals aren't of much use today, but they're fun to look at. In DC there's an interesting history. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was made almost alongside the Potomac. In between is a strip of land. The north side of the canal is bordered by a path. It runs the canal's full full length all the way, so there's lots of room for those wanting to exercise. There's a lot of good restaurants and shops you come across like Chaia Tacos.

It goes on for miles. It starts at Rock Creek. This extends into Virginia.

Beautiful canal that stretches from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland. It connects to the capital crescent trail that exits at Bethesda.

The path changes from dirt to gravel to concrete depending on the area, but it's mostly trail and flat, at least along Maryland. For that reason, many races are organized here, including the free and welcoming ParkRun every Saturday at 9 a.m. starting at Fletcher's Cove. The Safety and Health foundation also has annual marathons and half marathons here.

I don't know about the Georgetown entrance, but I've ran starting at Fletcher's Cove in both directions (toward DC and toward MD) and I've never smelled any sewage that some other poster was talking about =/

Only if you like being attacked by geese, seeing a dead body, getting hepatitis and watching a girl pee against a wall before returning to the large group of minorities doing drugs in broad daylight.

Although the towpath is undergoing some much needed construction, and could use better maintenance in sections, it's a gorgeous path, and I'm glad it's survived. Tucked behind M street away from the crowds, you can walk between beautiful brick buildings and the canal locks.

If you want to venture out of Georgetown, walk farther to the west, and you'll pass a section that's not too well-maintained (and a little sketchy), before ending up in a more natural setting eventually. In fact, you can bike or walk all the way to Cumberland from Georgetown using the towpath next to the canal, a 184.5 mile journey.

Great path to walk along for about as long and as far as you want. Follow all the way down to Georgetown if desired. On a clear day, whether walking, running, or cycling, this is a lovely area rich with historical significance and natural beauty that can be enjoyed in solitude or with friends.

Want to "C" my canal and "O" in it? You can if you want. (Bats lashes)

If you use this canal as your route, then it's a Route Canal. Ew.

This iconic and beautiful canal is hidden behind the glittering walls of rich, bougey old Georgetown. But it adds a real depth and beauty and old European-style history to an area which might otherwise be swallowed up by commercialism and High Street shopping.

It provides a serene break from the bustling nature of M Street and is one of my favorite places in Washington DC.

Now pass me the remote because it's time to change the canal to the next review.

Not only is it a beautiful natural feature in northern D.C, but it is well connected to Georgetown and other neighborhoods. You never have to leave the creature comforts of the city to appreciate this attraction.

The canal is very historic in Georgetown. I went to Lock #2 and parts of it still there. Between 29th and 30th streets. This part is dry as they are doing a renovation.

Beautiful.

1) This is a very pretty gem around Georgetown.
2) I did not walk the whole area, but next time.
3) Must visit.

Unique & beautiful canal! You can walk on the side & enjoy the view. Lots of restaurant nearby.

A must visit place in DC!

I've seen pics of the canal and trailway online, but when I visited, it looked like a Superfund site. The water in the canal was a mere stream, there was trash everywhere, and it smelled like an open sewer. It must look prettier in the spring and summer, when the canal has more traffic, but in the winter, it's an eyesore and looks like a toxic dump. I will come back in the warmer months and see if it changes, but in the winter, it's pretty depressing.

A very cool canal you'll cross over between Georgetown and it's eponymous waterfront park (more likely than anywhere else on the 185 miles it stretches).

How can you not love the C&O Canal, with its towpath perfect for biking, running, and walking? I'm including the towpath in my review because its 184.5 miles from Georgetown to the Maryland-West Virginia Border offer a perfect urban escape! Watch out for races and other fun park events around the canal!

Little known fact is that you can rent out a few of the lockhouses [10 I believe, and the other(s) I'm not sure of – don't quote me on this!] for the night. Not all offer running water and such. Great for a blast from the past!

I knew the C&O (Chesapeake and Ohio) Canal existed but didn't actually plan to see it. Actually, I stumbled across the bridge of the canal while spontaneously exploring DC with my friend and making our way to the Georgetown Waterfront Park. I stopped on the bridge to appreciate the view and take photos. Each way I turned, the sight was stunnningly beautiful. And despite the freezing cold, I would love to see the C&O Canal in the snowy wintertime. What a lovely surprise! If you are visiting DC and want to explore, I would highly recommend Georgetown, including the C&O Canal.

My friend and I were walking to our restaurant but came across this trail! So beautiful and quiet with many restaurants near by.

This is my second favorite canal just behind the Erie Canal. It facilitates water from one area to another area and also brings some sediment along for the ride. Head to the banks of the canal for the best views of the water. I wouldn't recommend swimming in the Canal though.

On March 8th, 2016 I went to go see part of the C&O Canal. I saw the run down part of the Antietam Aqueduct. It was cool walking on it knowing boats and parts of train cars uses to use that. The aqueduct was built in 1834 by Irish immigrant labor. It is one of eleven aqueducts constructed to carry the C&O Canal across intersecting tributaries. I am giving it 3 stars due to it was cool and a nice walk sadly there was not a lot of info on it.

A good landmark of DC and great for walking, jogging or what exercise you wish to do with in reason. Not really crowded which is great.

I walk along the C&O canal almost every day. I work near the Georgetown waterfront, so walking along the canal is my preference when I'm grabbing lunch or shopping on M Street because it's never crowded and it's simply beautiful. I love being able to walk down it and pop up on busy M Street whenever I want instead of having to navigate all the busy sidewalks, crosswalks, etc. especially now that tourist season is upon us. It's quiet, peaceful, and beautiful.

I am so thankful for the C&O trail during marathon training season! It's such a beautiful trail that runs parallel to Georgetown's M Street. I like to take the path straight out to the lockhouses which is about 9 miles. There are plenty of sights along the way that keeps my brain occupied for the 2ish hours I spend running.

The C&O trail is in the Georgetown area so I feel safe running my myself at night. The trail is well maintained and I haven't seen much litter. It's a nice flat course for cycling too.

The canal got magical that attract everyone to this place. Beautiful sounds of the falls from the canals. Perfect for all walkers, cyclists and others.

This endless trail is perfect for running long distances if you are training for a marathon. It's beautiful every step of the way, as you are running along the water. The path is wide enough for bikers to comfortably pass you. It's very safe and there are always plenty of other people on the trail. Stop to take a few pictures!

A national treasure. This abandoned waterway is gradually be reclaimed by nature, and cuts through the heart of Georgetown, providing a dose of solace in a neighborhood badly in need of it. The path crosses the canal a few times, but continues uninterrupted along the river for a lot farther than anyone ever goes. It never quite reached Ohio, but you could bike up to West Virginia if you wanted.

It's a shame that the boat that used to operate in Georgetown has been removed, but the value of the space remains.