Picnic table along the Potomac River at the Big Slackwater Picnic Area at Mile 85.5 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath
The Big Slackwater Picnic Area is located at Mile 85.5 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath. See the Picnic Areas web page for an interactive location map.
The Big Slackwater Picnic Area has four picnic tables, each with a grill. All are situated along the Potomac River under shade trees. Parking is done in a common lot and you must walk to the tables with your picnic supplies. Tables range from 25 to 75 yards from the parking area. There is a large, open field nearby, so there is plenty of room for kids to play. A boat ramp and a chemical toilet—a fancy outhouse in a permanent building—are also within the park.
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.
Picnic tables and grills at the Big Slackwater Picnic Area at Mile 85.5 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath
Big Slackwater is the name given to a section of the C&O Canal where boats could travel directly on the Potomac River. Because of this, three miles of canal did not have to be constructed. River travel was possible because Dam 4, which was located just downstream, created a deep pool that was navigable year-round (unless frozen during the winter).
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.
With a few exceptions, use of any photograph on the National Park Planner website requires a paid Royalty Free Editorial Use License or Commercial Use License. See the Photo Usage page for details.
Last updated on May 30, 2024
