Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park | FLETCHER’S COVE

Fletcher’s Cove at Mile 3.2 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath

Fletcher’s Cove at Mile 3.2 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath


Fletcher’s Cove is located at Mile 3.2 on the C&O Canal towpath (4940 Canal Road NW, Washington D. C. 20007). There is parking at the site. 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.


Fletcher’s Cove on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is home to Fletcher’s Boathouse, which was owned by the Fletcher Family from 1850 up until 2004 when the National Park Service acquired the property. It is now operated by an authorized concessionaire. The following services are offered:

  • Canoe, kayak, paddle board, and rowboat rentals
  • Guided kayak tours
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Snack stand
  • Bait and tackle shop
  • Fishing licenses
  • Biking and paddling supplies
  • Potomac River fishing
  • Potomac River and C&O Canal watercraft launches
  • Picnic area
  • Historic Abner Cloud House
  • Restrooms

OPERATING HOURS

While exact opening and closing dates vary each year, Fletcher’s Boathouse is typically open daily from April through the end of October. Operating hours vary per season. Get the latest schedule on the Fletcher’s Boathouse web page of the Boating in DC website.

Abner Cloud House and the Fletcher’s Cove parking area in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Abner Cloud House and the Fletcher’s Cove parking area in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Bridge from the parking area to Fletcher’s Boathouse in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Bridge from the parking area to Fletcher’s Boathouse in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

BOAT RENTALS

Kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, and rowboats are available for rent. See the above mentioned web page for rates.

Canoeing on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal near Fletcher’s Cove

Canoeing on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal near Fletcher’s Cove

BIKE RENTALS

Bicycles are also available for rent at Fletcher’s Boathouse.

The Capital Crescent Trail enters Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park just north of Fletcher’s Cove. This is essentially a paved version of the canal towpath, and it runs right alongside it all the way to Georgetown. The benefit of this over the towpath is that road bikes can use it, whereas on the towpath you need an off-road bike with wider tires because it has a gravel and dirt surface.

Bike stand at Fletcher’s Boathouse in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Bike stand at Fletcher’s Boathouse in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

TACKLE SHOP and SNACK STAND

Fletcher’s Boathouse has a tackle shop and a snack stand on the premises. At the tackle shop you can purchase fishing supplies and a fishing license. The shoreline of the Potomac River at Fletcher’s Cove is a very popular fishing area.

Fishing along the Potomac River at Fletcher’s Cove in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Fishing along the Potomac River at Fletcher’s Cove in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

The snack stand serves chips, candy, bottled water, and soft drinks. No cooking is done, so it’s pretty much pre-packaged food. The stand is also where you rent the bikes and boats and purchase paddling and biking supplies.

Fletcher’s Boathouse Tackle Shop and Snack Stand (photo by Trail Voice)

Fletcher’s Boathouse Tackle Shop and Snack Stand (photo by Trail Voice)

BOAT LAUNCHES

Personal and rental watercraft can be launched into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal or the Potomac River. There is an actual boat dock on the river just down from the tackle shop.

Launch canoes and kayaks directly into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal at Fletchers Cove

Launch canoes and kayaks directly into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal at Fletchers Cove

Boat dock at Fletcher’s Boathouse (photo by Trail Voice)

Boat dock at Fletcher’s Boathouse (photo by Trail Voice)

PICNIC AREA

One of the largest picnic areas along the C&O Canal is here at Fletcher’s Cove. There are a couple dozen tables, and each grouping has its own grill.

Like nearly all picnic areas within Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, tables are taken on a first come, first served basis. If you have a large group and would like a place to picnic, the pavilion at Carderock near the Great Falls is the only spot in the park that can be reserved. Groups are welcome to picnic at any picnic area in the park, but they run the risk of not getting picnic tables. Also, groups of more than 25 people need a Special Use Permit.

Picnic Area at Fletcher’s Cove in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Picnic Area at Fletcher’s Cove in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Picnic area at Fletchers Cove in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park has view of the Potomac River

Picnic area at Fletchers Cove in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park has view of the Potomac River

ABNER CLOUD HOUSE

The Abner Cloud House predates the C&O Canal and is the oldest building still standing along the towpath. Abner Cloud built it in 1801. He and his family lived in the upstairs portion of the house while the basement was used to store grain and flour that was processed at his mill just upstream. The top two floors are now the headquarters of the Colonial Dames of America. The house is occasionally open on Sundays during the tourist season. You can also contact the Colonial Dames of America to schedule an appointment to see the interior of the house.

Abner Cloud House at Mile 3.2 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath

Abner Cloud House at Mile 3.2 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath

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Last updated on June 5, 2024
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