Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views

This paved trail starts from the parking area and heads south along the canal. You'll pass some restrooms and the historic Gate House on your way to the tavern. The historic inn and tavern opened in 1831 and now serves as the visitor center for this section of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park. You can learn more about the history of the park here, buy refreshments and gifts, and also book a trip on a canal ship during certain seasons.

In front of the tavern sits Lock 20 and a small bridge that crosses the canal. The trail continues south on a narrower section of paved trail to the boat boarding platform. After this platform, the trail becomes gravel, but is still very accessible. The trail ends at a bridge just below Lock 19 that connects to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Tow Path.