Adventure Awaits Beyond the Trail at These Four C&O Canal Destinations
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Montgomery County
Just outside bustling Washington, D.C., Montgomery County offers a striking contrast of urban energy and wooded serenity. On the trail, hikers and cyclists can explore standout stretches like the Billy Goat Trail, with its famous rock scrambles and dramatic views of Mather Gorge, or soak in the roaring beauty of Great Falls from one of several scenic overlooks. Step off the path, and you'll find world-class cultural stops like the Glenstone Museum, a minimalist modern art haven set amid 230 acres of landscapes and architecture. Downtown Bethesda buzzes with chef-driven restaurants and luxury shopping, while farm breweries and wineries provide a scenic escape.
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Bikers rider along the C&O Canal in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Frederick County
Frederick County’s stretch of the C&O Canal invites travelers into a landscape shaped by rivers, ridges, and centuries of history. Paddle a kayak along the Potomac, or stop to admire the stately arches of the Monocacy Aqueduct—one of the Canal’s most impressive engineering feats.
Beyond the towpath, Downtown Frederick blends old and new. Stroll along Carroll Creek Park, a linear urban greenway with public art and waterside dining. Or, dive into local heritage at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, which offers an unexpected lens on one of America’s defining conflicts. With a thriving arts scene, craft breweries, and historic sites around every corner, Frederick rewards slow exploration.
A kayaker paddles along the Potomac River in Frederick County, Maryland.
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From unique dining to shopping local, these Maryland destinations deliver outdoor thrills and cultural surprises just beyond the C&O Canal
Washington County
In Washington County—home to historic Hagerstown—the C&O Canal cuts through landscapes marked by quiet beauty and transformational history. Biking along the towpath here takes you past canal locks, aqueducts, and the waters of Antietam Creek, near the site of one of the Civil War’s most pivotal battles.
Off the trail, Hagerstown flashes a surprisingly creative side. Follow the Hagerstown Cultural Trail for a self-guided art walk connecting the downtown district to the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in City Park. With locally loved eateries, unique shops, and nearby quaint towns, it’s a place to experience history and modern culture.
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The C&O Canal Towpath in Washington County.
Allegany County
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Railbiking in Allegany County, Maryland.
At the western end of the C&O Canal lies Allegany County, the gateway to adventure. Where the river, trails, and rails converge, bike along sweeping views of the Potomac River or through the Canal's 3,118-feet-long historic Paw Paw Tunnel, before connecting to the Great Allegheny Passage, a 150-mile trail stretching to Pittsburgh.
Beyond the canal, visitors can unwind at Rocky Gap State Park, explore downtown galleries, hop aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, or ride through the mountains on Maryland's only rail-bike operator - Tracks and Yaks. With sweeping mountain vistas and a laid-back vibe, this corner of Maryland delivers both scenery and soul.
Whether following the towpath or forging your own path nearby, the C&O Canal is just the beginning. Start planning your Maryland adventure at BeyondTheCanal.com.
Stretching 184.5 miles from Washington, D.C.’s historic Georgetown neighborhood to charming Cumberland, Maryland, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was once a vital transportation route for moving coal and goods along the Potomac River. Today, it’s the backbone of a National Historical Park and towpath trail that winds through some of the state’s most scenic regions. But for all its history, the C&O Canal isn’t just a destination—it’s a launchpad for adventure. Step off the trail and you’ll find vibrant downtowns, rich cultural experiences, and hidden natural wonders just waiting to be explored. From Montgomery County to Allegany County and many stops in between, these Maryland destinations invite travelers to go beyond the canal.