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.
Mile marker 55 on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park is a great place to experience the Towpath. It’s located right on the doorstep of the town of Brunswick, MD, with free, ample parking in the MARC lot for easy access to walk or bike on the trail. Through-riders can pull off to find food, lodging, and bike repair two blocks from the Towpath. Visitors can also explore Lock 30, one of the remnants of the 74 lift locks that helped boats overcome the 605-foot elevation change between Georgetown and Cumberland (the Towpath terminuses).
More Information: https://www.nps.gov/choh/index.htm