Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park | LOCK 15

Upstream view of Lock 15 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Upstream view of Lock 15 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal


Lock 15 is located at Mile 13.6 on the C&O Canal towpath. It cannot be accessed by vehicle, so reaching it requires hiking or biking .8 mile (one way) downstream from the closest parking area, the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. See the Locks and Lockhouses web page for an interactive location map.


Lock 15 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is the first of six locks that lift the canal 50 feet in elevation so that canal boats could bypass the Great Falls. The last of the locks is Lock 20 at Great Falls Tavern. All are within .8 mile of each other.

Upstream gate of Lock 15 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

Upstream gate of Lock 15 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

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Last updated on June 10, 2024
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