NPS pulls entrance fee proposal for C&O Canal Park

The C&O Canal Towpath, looking west from Hancock, Md. Photo: Charlie Ban
The C&O Canal Towpath, looking west from Hancock, Md. Photo: Charlie Ban

Midway through a month of public meetings, the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park has withdrawn its proposal in begin charging entrance fees to the park outside of Washington, D.C.

This is despite a recent 10-percent budget cut and nearly 20-percent staff reduction, mainly at Great Falls Park. Existing entrance fees may still be increased.

Park Superintendent Kevin Brandt said under the original proposal, runners and bikers who entered the towpath from D.C. would not have been charged.

The proposal would have established entrance fees at all entrances to the park in Maryland and at Fletcher’s Cove, effective May 1 or later. Entrance fees have only been collected at Great Falls Tavern in Potomac. Those fees would have supported improvements to various park amenities, including parking lots and towpath surface maintenance. Brandt spoke at a public meeting in Bethesda Feb. 5.

Recent Stories

  Looking for our race calendar? Click here   Submit races here or shop local for running gear  

Coaching high school cross country and track made Kelyn Soong a better runner.

Race pacing for fun and fitness

A break from racing one of my favorite events gave me a chance to help other runners reach their time goals.

Eight local runners will compete in the Olympic Marathon Trials Saturday morning in Orlando.

The Hunter Exam

The Hunter Exam is a unique elimination style fitness event, where finalists earn a coveted “hunter license”. This license not only comes with prestige, but access to future events, perks under The Hunters Association, and private access to the pro

BEST Kids Superhero 5K & Fun Run

Check-In Time: 7:15 am -8:15 am; Fun Run begins at 8:00 am; 5K starts at 8:30 am
Registration Fee: Early Bird (until 4/3/25)-5K: Adults-$35; Ages 13-17-$15; 12 & Under: Free; Fun Run: Free; Starting 4/4/25: 5K: Adults-$45; Ages 13-17-$20

×

Subscribe to our mailing list