Natural Features & Ecosystems

The C&O Canal stands out as a National Historical Park not only due to the history it preserves, but also due to the large amount of unique natural features contained within its boundaries. As visitors traverse the different areas of the Park, they have an opportunity to experience a wide diversity of ecosystems, natural communities, geologic formations, and waterways that the C&O Canal contains and protects.

 

Geology & Paleontology

Rocks exposed in the C&O Canal NHP range in age from about 200 million to over 1 billion years old.

Natural Communities

C&O Canal borders the Potomac River, much of the forest that exists along the river's edge are in low-lying floodplains.

Scenic Vistas

Along the 184.5 miles of towpath are countless vistas of natural scenic beauty, historic landscapes, and sites that are a blend of both.

 

Potomac River

NPS Photo