The C&O Canal National Historic Park stretches across four counties all the way west to Cumberland. The Park offers living history demonstrations, hiking, fishing, camping, horse paths, as well as seasonal activities. In Allegany County, the Park includes the C&O Canal Museum, the Cumberland Visitor Center, and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which runs between Cumberland and Frostburg.
![[photo, Hikers in Catoctin Mountain National Park near Thurmont, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/36loc/fr/images/1198-1-696b.jpg)
FREDERICK COUNTYCreated under Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal”, Catoctin Mountain Park has campsites, and trails for scenic hiking or horse back riding. The Park borders Cunningham Falls State Park, and offers individual and group cabins for rent.
Hikers in Catoctin Mountain National Park near Thurmont, Maryland, April 2004. Photo by Elizabeth W. Newell.
In Frederick County, the C&O Canal National Historic Park includes the Monocacy Aqueduct, and the Catoctin Creek Aqueduct. The Frederick section of the Canal runs through Brunswick, and connects with the MARC Train for easy access to the Greater Washington, DC, area.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
The portion of C&O Canal National Historic Park that is located in Montgomery County offers standard amenities found elsewhere along the canal, as well as two locations to ride canal boats: Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, and the Georgetown Visitor Center. It runs just south of Glen Echo Park, and the Clara Barton National Historic Site.
Opened in 1891, Glen Echo Park offers art galleries, a theatre, arcade, and stables. The Park also provides classes, and educational lectures. Still open to the public are the Dentzel Carousel (started in 1921), and the Spanish Ballroom (opened in 1933). On the grounds is the Clara Barton National Historic Site. The National Park Service began management of the Park in 1970, and provides tours of the grounds.
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY
One of the few remaining seacoast forts in its original design, Fort Washington was first built in 1809. It served as an active military installation until 1946, when it was transferred to the Department of the Interior. Today, Fort Washington Park offers fishing, picnic grounds, historic lectures, and reenactments.
Greenbelt National Park has picnic areas, nature paths for horses and hiking, and campgrounds. The Park is right off of the DC Metro Green Line for easy access to the Nation’s Capital.
WASHINGTON COUNTY
In Washington County, the C&O Canal National History Park connects to Fort Frederick State Park, and runs just south of Antietam National Battlefield. It offers a number of boat launches and campsites, as well as access to the Appalachian Trail.
WORCESTER COUNTY
Protecting Chincoteague Bay from the Atlantic Ocean, Assateague Island lies just south of Ocean City. The Island's multiple natural vistas include marshes, forests, and sand dune beaches. The Island offers swimming areas, nature trails, and campsites.
Campground Office, 7205 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, MD 21811
(410) 641-3030
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