Recreation and Wellness Activities in the Park

 
 
Infographic with text "Keep Safety in the Picture” and drawings photography.
Click image for bigger version.

NPS Infographic / Matt Turner

Keep Safety In the Picture

Make your trip to a national park a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. Learn how to safely watch and photography wildlife, best time, and how to find the picture perfect location for the best shot! When capturing precious moments, be a smart photographer and follow these picture-perfect tips from the National Park Service.

 
Park ranger walking with two youth.
Park Ranger leading youth on a nature hike.

NPS Photo

Build Your Explorer Backpack

Learn how to create your own explorer backpack! Repurpose old items at home, print maps online, or check out field guides from your local library. Bring your sense of adventure, Leave No Trace knowledge, and explorer backpack for an afternoon of fun at the C&O Canal!

 
Youth and Park Ranger playing soccer.
Youth and Park Ranger playing soccer.

NPS Photo

Park Prescriptions at National Parks

National Park Prescription (ParkRx) Day occurs annually during National Park Week every April. National Park Week is a time to explore amazing places, discover stories of history and culture, help out, and find your park. This day celebrates active play and the healing power of the outdoors. Learn about safely enjoying nature in our homes, backyards, neighborhoods, and nearby parks and trails. Watch the many ways people "fill their prescription" at National Parks.
 
Logo for Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) program.

Every Kid Outdoors program logo.

Every Kid Outdoors

Hey fourth graders! See America's natural wonders and historic sites with your family for free with the Every Kid Outdoors program. Get a voucher pass that admits the 4th grader, other children, and up to 3 adults. Bring your voucher when you visit the Great Falls area of the C&O Canal.

 
Logo for Let's Move program.

Let's Move Outside program logo.

Let's Move Outside

Did you know that 60 minutes of daily active play outdoors keeps your body healthy? Let's Move Outside encourages you to stay active in your local National Parks. Ride a bike, take a walk, or go for a run along the towpath to stay healthy!

 
Hiking on the Tunnel Hill Trail
Hiking on Tunnel Hill Trail.

NPS Photo

Hiking

The C&O Canal was created so you could have a fun, safe, and beautiful place to walk. Whether you live down in D.C. or further up north in Cumberland, Maryland, there's a place for you to get outside and on your feet, exploring nature and history. Please check out the many locations you can go!

 
Youth observing the rushing water at Great Falls with a Park Ranger.
Youth observing the rushing water of the Potomac River at Great Falls.

NPS Photo

Trail Games

Trail games are a great way to break up your hike or just have fun on the towpath! Take a water break, stretch, and try some of these trail games the next time you visit the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Remember to #RecreateResponsibly and Leave No Trace while having fun in the Park.

 
Lock 3 in Georgetown, DC, displayed on smartphone.
Lock 3 in Georgetown district of the C&O Canal.

NPS Photo / Raisa Barrera

DC Area National Parks App

Download the newest DC Area National Parks App! This free and interactive program helps you prepare for your visit, search ranger programs, special interests, local services, and more. Use the app during your next visit to learn even more about what's right in front of you.

 
Footprint Logo of Kids in Parks program.

Logo from Kids in Parks TRACK Trail program

TRACK Trails

Find two TRACK Trails in Williamsport, MD. Each trail is about one mile roundtrip. TRACK Trails, part of Kids in Parks, provides family-friendly trails to get kids outdoors and connected with nature. For more information visit the Kids in Parks website.

 
Paw Paw Tunnel with bikes
Bikes on northern entrance to Paw Paw Tunnel.

NPS Photo / Nanette Nyce

Biking

Let's go ride a bike on the C&O Canal towpath! Another great way to explore the towpath is on a bicycle with family and friends. There are many places you can access the canal to explore upriver and down. Here is a list of great family cycling locations along the C&O Canal. If you don't have your own bike, many Canal Towns offer rental shops. Always practice these safety precautions to help keep yourself and others safe.
 
Park visitors enjoying yoga on the grass.
Park visitors enjoying yoga on the grass.

NPS Photo / Fort Dupont Park

Yoga Hike

Combining art, movement, and meditation, a yoga hike is an easy way to connect in National Parks and with nature around you! Slow yourself down with a reflective hike at the C&O Canal National Historical Park. Benefits from walking the C&O Canal are endless! From improving your physical and mental well-being, boundless photo opportunities, and a great way to spend an afternoon biking in a National Historical Park.

 

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Last updated: July 9, 2021

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142 W. Potomac St.
Williamsport, MD 21795

Phone:

301-739-4200

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