Volunteering to help the park: A work crew installs a bench near Great Falls in 2016.
Supporting park projects: Catoctin Aqueduct after collapse in 1973
Supporting park projects: Catoctin Aqueduct after restoration effort in 2011
Exploring history and nature: Sideling Hill Creek Aqueduct as viewed from the Western Maryland Rail Trail.
Protecting the canal since 1954: The association opposes Georgetown University’s plan to build a large boathouse in the park
Protecting the canal since 1954: The association opposes Georgetown University’s plan to build a large boathouse in the park
Exploring history and nature: Hikers gather at Fifteen Mile Creek Aqueduct in 2018.
Protecting the canal since 1954: Justice Douglas and eight others pause during their famous hike, which publicized the canal in 1954
Exploring history and nature: Ranger provides interpretation for hikers at Seneca Stone Cutting Mill in 2020.
Exploring history and nature: Hikers marvel at a large specimen during a tree identification walk in 2012
Volunteering to help the park: Association volunteer attaches plaque to newly installed bench in 2018.
Exploring history and nature: Association members participate in the last day of the 2009 Thru Hike at Great Falls
Volunteering to help the park: Association member helps install an identification sign at Landers in 2011
Exploring history and nature: Hikers gather at Dam 5 in 2019.
Protecting the canal since 1954: Justice Douglas and others rally against replacing the canal with a highway.
Volunteering to help the park: Association members repaint picnic tables at Swains Lock
Volunteering to help the park: Association volunteers assemble picnic table in 2018.
From Facebook Feed…
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal with the railroad lift bridge in Williamsport, Maryland, from C&I Canal Trust collection.
We are pleased to share that we have received a transformational $1 million innovation grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF). This funding will support a water level monitoring and recreational safety system for the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The initiative will strengthen flood preparedness, improve visitor safety, support recreational access, and help protect the park’s historic infrastructure.
“The C&O Canal is a remarkable blend of historic infrastructure and natural resources, but protecting it for future generations requires us to embrace new approaches to preservation and visitor safety,” said Lauren Riviello, President & CEO of the Trust. “This investment will help us pair innovative technology with the park’s nearly 200-year-old infrastructure, giving National Park Service staff better tools to anticipate flooding, protect irreplaceable historic resources, and help visitors safely enjoy the canal. We’re grateful to the National Park Foundation for recognizing the significance of this project — not only to strengthen the C&O Canal, but also to serve as a model for parks across the country.
To learn more about this grant and how it will support our work and the park, take a look at our announcement here:
www.canaltrust.org/2026/10/co-canal-trust-receives-national-park-foundation-grant-for-innovation/
Photo Credit: Paul Graunke
Today, we celebrate National Mule Day by recognizing the important role mules played in the construction and operation of the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal during the 1800s. These hardworking animals were essential to keeping the canal’s transportation system running.
Mules served as the “engines” of canal boats, pulling vessels loaded with goods and passengers along the waterway between Georgetown and Cumberland. Their strength and endurance made them well suited to the demanding task of hauling boats along the canal’s 184.5-mile route.
In addition to their physical strength, mules were valued for their intelligence and easy-going temperament. Their contribution helped make transportation along the C&O Canal possible, supporting trade and travel throughout the region during the 19th century.
Photo credit: National Park Service (NPS)