Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park | LOCK 10 CANOE LAUNCH


The Lock 10 Canoe Launch is located at Mile 8.8 on the C&O Canal towpath. There is a twelve-car parking lot for the site just off of Clara Barton Parkway. See the Boat Ramps web page for an interactive location map.

NOTE: Sections of the towpath, locks and other historical structures, trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and visitor centers are constantly being closed due to damage and/or repair. When planning an adventure within Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, make sure the areas you plan to visit are open by checking the National Park Service’s official Current Park Conditions web page.


A popular launch point for paddling trips down the Potomac River is located at Lock 10 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. The parking area on Clara Barton Parkway is about 150 yards from the launch site. I didn’t get any photos of the launch when I was at Lock 10, but I did see a couple of kayakers ending a trip from upriver at this point.

You can also launch into the C&O Canal itself from here. If water levels are adequate, you can paddle down to Georgetown or up to Lock 23 (you must portage around the locks). See the Paddling web page for more information.

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Last updated on June 10, 2024
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