Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park | SPRING GAP BOAT RAMP

Spring Gap Boat Ramp at Mile 173.3 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath

Spring Gap Boat Ramp at Mile 173.3 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath


Spring Gap Boat Ramp is located right off of Highway 51 (Oldtown Road) in Oldtown, Maryland, at Mile 173.3 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath. 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 that areas you plan to visit are open by checking the National Park Service’s official Current Park Conditions web page.


When entering the Spring Gap recreation area from Highway 51, the road into the park dead ends and you must turn left or right. To the left is the Spring Gap Campground where those in automobiles can spend the night. To the right is the Spring Gap Picnic Area and the boat ramp. Located on the Potomac River, any type of boat can be launched from here, motorized or hand-paddled.

Like all boat ramps within Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, there is no usage fee.

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Last updated on June 29, 2024
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