The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park's Williamsport location offers elementary field trips in the spring and fall. Programs are offered Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The address for the Williamsport Visitor Center is 205 W. Potomac Street, Williamsport, Maryland 21795. To make a field trip reservation please email us at cocanaleducation@nps.gov.
Early Transportation and the C&O Canal: Explore the history of canal operations at Williamsport. Students begin this tour at Cushwa Basin and walk along the towpath to Lockhouse 44. Themes include: early transportation, canal technology, C&O Canal operations, and life of canal workers (1850-1924). Students will observe remnants of transportation from the 19th and early 20th century and compare to transportation today. Includes a tour of Lockhouse 44 and a demonstration of the lift lock gates on Lock 44. Offered in the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) seasons.
Location: Cushwa Warehouse to Lockhouse 44
Length: 1.5 hours
Availability: Offered in the fall (September-November) and spring (March-May).
Weathering and Erosion Observations: Concepts of Weathering and Erosion are discussed and observed in a real-world environment. The Potomac River lies adjacent to the C&O Canal nearly the entire length from Cumberland to Washington D.C. Regular flood events, which cause damage and debris to the canal towpath and canal prism, and other natural processes contribute to weathering and erosion of natural and man-made features in the park. Students will learn about the C&O Canal's engineering features, and consider how humans have changed the landscape, and how the landscape shapes and directs how it can be used. Offered in the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) seasons.
Location: Cushwa Basin to Conococheague Aqueduct
Length: 1.5 hours
Availability: Offered in the fall (September-November) and spring (March-May).
Ecology Hike: Discover the C&O Canal's natural habitat as you venture into the quiet of the tree-lined towpath. Students will enjoy noticing wildlife and plant variation during different seasons. This guided hike will feature habitat observations and discussions regarding birds, wildflowers, trees, non-native plant species, animal tracks, habitat sounds and much more. Opportunities to incorporate animal, bird, insect or plant identification, classification, and data collection. Comparisons of then vs. now as students leave the historic Cushwa Basin for an area of park that nature has reclaimed. Offered in the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) seasons.
Location: 3-mile hike along a wooded section of C&O Canal towpath
Length: 2.5 hours
Availability: Offered in the fall (September-November) and spring (March-May).
