Great Falls Tavern Picnic Area and concession stand in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

The Great Falls Tavern Picnic Area is located at Mile 14.4 on the C&O Canal towpath. There is a fee to enter the Great Falls section of the park. Many large parking lots serve the area. See the Picnic Areas 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.

The most visited location in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is undoubtedly the Great Falls area, home to the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center and mule-drawn canal boat rides that pass through a working lock. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that one of the park’s largest picnic areas is located here as well. There’s even a concession stand, the only one in the park. Picnic tables are located all along the parking areas, and there are also a few behind the Great Falls Tavern.

Regardless of its size and popularity, 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 just down the road is the only spot in the park that can be reserved. Groups are still welcome to picnic at Great Falls Tavern, but they run the risk of not getting picnic tables. Also, groups of more than 25 people need a Special Use Permit.