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Protecting the Canal since 1954

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Association is an independent, all-volunteer citizens organization established in 1954 to help conserve the natural and historical environment of the C&O Canal and the Potomac River Basin. The association works with the National Park Service in its efforts to preserve and promote the 184-mile towpath.
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Jun 28, 2026 12:00pm

Jul 18, 2026 

Aug 1, 2026 11:00am

News

Bench installers

Volunteering to help the park: A work crew installs a bench near Great Falls in 2016.

Catoctin Aqueduct after collapse

Supporting park projects: Catoctin Aqueduct after collapse in 1973

Catoctin Aqueduct restored

Supporting park projects: Catoctin Aqueduct after restoration effort in 2011

Sideling Hill Creek Aqueduct

Exploring history and nature: Sideling Hill Creek Aqueduct as viewed from the Western Maryland Rail Trail.

Picketing on towpath

Protecting the canal since 1954: The association opposes Georgetown University’s plan to build a large boathouse in the park

Bicyclist examines banner

Protecting the canal since 1954: The association opposes Georgetown University’s plan to build a large boathouse in the park

Group ready to hike

Exploring history and nature: Hikers gather at Fifteen Mile Creek Aqueduct in 2018.

Hikers sitting on lock gate

Protecting the canal since 1954: Justice Douglas and eight others pause during their famous hike, which publicized the canal in 1954

Stone Cutting Mill Interpretation

Exploring history and nature: Ranger provides interpretation for hikers at Seneca Stone Cutting Mill in 2020.

Hikers embrace a tree

Exploring history and nature: Hikers marvel at a large specimen during a tree identification walk in 2012

Volunteer attaches plaque to bench

Volunteering to help the park: Association volunteer attaches plaque to newly installed bench in 2018.

Hikers near Great Falls Tavern

Exploring history and nature: Association members participate in the last day of the 2009 Thru Hike at Great Falls

Installing a sign

Volunteering to help the park: Association member helps install an identification sign at Landers in 2011

Hikers at Dam 5

Exploring history and nature: Hikers gather at Dam 5 in 2019.

Protesting along the canal

Protecting the canal since 1954: Justice Douglas and others rally against replacing the canal with a highway.

Painting a table

Volunteering to help the park: Association members repaint picnic tables at Swains Lock

Volunteers assemble picnic table

Volunteering to help the park: Association volunteers assemble picnic table in 2018.

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C&O Canal Association

1 day ago

C&O Canal Association

Yesterday, Association VIPs put in some volunteer hours installing fire rings for the Park at the Swain's Lock campground. The VIPs are led by Jin Heins who, after many years of service, is retiring at the end of this year. If you like to join the VIPs, please reach out. ... See MoreSee Less

Yesterday, Association VIPs put in some volunteer hours installing fire rings for the Park at the Swains Lock campground. The VIPs are led by Jin Heins who, after many years of service, is retiring at the end of this year. If you like to join the VIPs, please reach out.Image attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment
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Awesome job

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