Explore the C&O Canal at Great Falls: Saturday Only Option

Discover the history and natural beauty of the C&O Canal on this field trip to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The C&O Canal was a lifeline for communities for almost 100 years as coal, lumber, and agricultural products were floated down the 185-mile-long waterway to market. The canal was built to connect the tidewater on the Potomac River in DC with the headwaters of the Ohio River in western Pennsylvania.

We’ll focus on the history, cultural, and conservation significance of the canal at Great Falls Tavern, located in the C&O National Historical Park. Our featured speaker and guide is Dr. Joel Cohen, a visiting scholar at Duke University working with Dr. Stuart Pimm. He will share excerpts from natural history studies on the canal’s transition from initial geographic and engineering difficulties to its potential as a conservation corridor in the Nation’s Capital and how it can meet global expectations for sustainability.

After Dr. Cohen’s presentation, we’ll move outside to explore selected elements of natural and American history along the locks and towpath. This short hike will connect the history to the physical structures found in the park today.  The mules used to tow the canal boats will be available for us to meet and we’ll see, and possibly ride in, a reconstructed canal boat for a short trip up the canal and back.

This trip is also available as a two-day expedition that explores the geology of the Potomac on Sunday. To view the longer trip, go here: https://marylandnature.wildapricot.org/event-5811577

Our C&O History Leader: Dr. Joel Cohen’s extensive studies have produced many presentations, articles, and exhibits, including, https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2021/02/capitals-corridor-chesapeake-and-ohio-canal-national-historical-park, a recent show with local artist Jean Hirons, and extensive collaboration to approximate the variety of species in the area. Today’s talk is based on one he presented at the World Canals Conference in 2021. Dr. Cohen is also writing a natural history-focused book about the C&O for young adults with Sue Muller and a second report on the relation of inland waterways to sustainable development.

• We have specifically planned for early arrivals to help ensure adequate parking. This will also give us time to check out the visitor center before it gets busy.
• Park entrance fees are $20 per car, with passes good for seven days. One pass will work for both days. Passes may be purchased in advance at https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/111897. The America the Beautiful pass is also accepted.
• Canal boat rides are not guaranteed, but we will do our best to get everyone a seat who wants to go on Saturday.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time. See the hotel booking information for the hotel cancellation policy.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.