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C&O Canal Boat Rides
About C&O Canal Boat Rides
It's time to actually place yourselves in to the history books with the C&O Canal Boat Rides in an around the nation's capital.
Your canal boat experience takes place within the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, where natural beauty is all around you, but it's a park you won't be able to explore in just one day, because the 184 miles of towpath might just be a bit too much!
There are a couple of historic canal boat rides that you can experience where you can journey back in time to the 1870s and ride along the historic C&O Canal in a boat pulled by mules (Yes, mules!)
During this trip you can experience rising 8 feet in a lock, as well as listen to park rangers in period clothing describe what life was like for the families that lived and worked on the canal (Kids, we imagine life might have been quite different back then, do you think?)
Then you have the Williamsport Boat Ride, where you can enjoy a FREE one hour replica boat program, riding from the historic Cushwa Warehouse to Lock 44 and back again.
All aboard kids, your journey back through history is ready and waiting, with your adventures out on the water!
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Suggest editHow much does it cost?
Suggest editAdults Great Falls boat: $8 / Williamsport Boat is free with advance reservation
Children Great Falls boat: $8 (Ages 4 to 15) / Williamsport Boat is free
Free Under 3 years
Last Update 2022
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C&O Canal Boat Rides FAQ’s
I’m Hungry! Can I get food at C&O Canal Boat Rides?
The Great Falls Tavern is well, near a tavern, so you can grab something to eat there!
Any top tips when visiting?
Make a day of it, and hike, fish, and play in the park, there is so much to explore!
Teachers corner
The Great Falls location of the C&O Canal NHP has educational field trips every Spring and Fall. Programs are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tuesday programs include all non-boat programs. Boat programs are ONLY available on Wednesday and Thursday). Give them a call for details
Does C&O Canal Boat Rides have healthy eating or Vegan options?
You can take your own lunch and enjoy it in the surrounding park before your trip! Make sure you take water
Is C&O Canal Boat Rides fully accessible?
For those with mobility impairments, all visitor centers and their associated restrooms are accessible.
The Canal towpath is a gravel graded path throughout the park. It can get muddy after rain events, making the trail uneven in places.
Call them to chat about the boats specifically.
Any additonal information?
Camping is permitted in the park if you want to extend your adventure!
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