Carderock Picnic Pavilion

Plan Like A Ranger

A trip to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers you an opportunity to discover historical, natural, and recreational treasures. While preparing for your visit please be aware of closures and current conditions, weather forecasts, and review the safety tips.

 

Carderock Pavilion

S. Dean

 

Reservations

Carderock Recreation Area Pavilion

Reserve now

 

 

Getting Here

Address

6231 Forrestal Rd
Bethesda, MD 20817

Search "Carderock Recreation Area" or follow the directions below:

From I-495 in Maryland

1. Take Exit 41 toward Carderock/Great Falls.
2. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit.
3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign.
4. Turn left for Parking Lot 1 or turn right for Parking Lot 2 and the restrooms. (The pavilion is located between the two parking lots.)

From I-495 in Virginia

1. Take Exit 41 (Carderock/Glen Echo) from the American Legion Bridge and at the fork, bear left toward Great Falls/Carderock.
2. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit.
3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign.
4. Turn left for Parking Lot 1 or turn right for Parking Lot 2 and the restrooms. (The pavilion is located between the two parking lots.)

From Washington (Georgetown)

1. From the intersection of M Street and Key Bridge, go west for approximately .5 miles and bear left onto Canal Road.
2. Stay straight on Canal Road which turns into the Clara Barton Pkwy and follow the Clara Barton Pkwy for approximately 9 miles to the Carderock exit.
3. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign.
4. Turn left for Parking Lot 1 or turn right for Parking Lot 2 and the restrooms. (The pavilion is located between the two parking lots.)

From I-270

1. Take I-270 South toward Washington.
2. Keep right to take I-270 Spur South toward I-270/Washington/I-495 /Northern Virginia.
3. I-270 Spur South becomes I-495 South/Capital Beltway.
4. Take Exit 41 toward Carderock/Great Falls.
5. Merge onto the Clara Barton Pkwy and continue 1 mile to the Carderock exit.
6. Take the Carderock exit and at the stop sign, turn left to cross over the Clara Barton Pkwy. Follow the road until you reach a second stop sign.
7. Turn left for Parking Lot 1 or turn right for Parking Lot 2 and the restrooms. (The pavilion is located between the two parking lots.)

 

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center Hours and Seasons

Seven visitor centers are spread over the 184.5 miles of the C&O Canal. Each has separate hours and seasons.

Hike the Billy Goat Trail

Hike one of the most popular trails in the Washington, DC area.

Great Falls Entrance Fees

Fees and Pass Information

Entrance fees are collected at the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center entrance of the canal.