Evitts Creek Aqueduct at Mile 180.7 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
The Evitts Creek Aqueduct is located at Mile 180.7 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath. It cannot be accessed by vehicle. It is located 3.8 miles downstream from the Canal Terminus in Cumberland, Maryland, and 5 miles upstream from Lock and Lockhouse 75. Both of these have parking nearby. See the Locks and Lockhouses web page for an interactive location map.
A canal aqueduct is a nifty little feat of engineering that solves the problem of what to do when a canal crosses paths with a creek or river. Both are waterways, but the canal is a self-contained channel and cannot temporarily merge with the river because all of its water will spill out uncontrollably. The solution is to elevate the canal over the waterway via a bridge. In essence, a large, elevated bathtub must be built—water cannot be leaking out of the bottom and sides. This is done with a thick layer of clay and stone on the bottom and solid stone walls for sides.
Illustration of an aqueduct–the Catoctin Aqueduct–in use
The Evitts Creek Aqueduct was the last aqueduct built on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, with construction taking place from 1838 through 1841. However, it was never in operation until this section of the canal was watered in 1850. It is a single-arch aqueduct made of limestone that was quarried about 1.5 miles up the creek. It is no longer capable of holding water due to a missing section of the berm-side parapet (retaining wall opposite the towpath).
Missing section of the Evitts Creek Aqueduct retaining wall, Mile 180.7 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
Today, hikers and bikers are welcome to pass through the center of the aqueduct on the wide, dirt path, but when in service, this area would have been filled with water. The towpath is actually along the top of the parapet facing the Potomac River.
Towpath along the retaining wall of the Evitts Creek Aqueduct, Mile 180.7 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
The Evitts Creek Aqueduct is the last major structure on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal until the terminus at Cumberland. However, there are a couple of minor structures of interest upstream from the aqueduct, one being a derelict Western Maryland Railroad bridge built in 1905-06 at Mile 182.9. The railroad tracks have been removed.
Western Maryland Railroad bridge crosses the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal at Mile 182.9
Also upstream are the remnants of a stop gate at Mile 183.4. This could be closed to stem the flow of water down the canal during times of flooding or when the canal had to be drained for repairs.
Remnants of a stop gate at Mile 183.4 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
Remnants of a stop gate at Mile 183.4 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
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Last updated on June 27, 2026
