Lock 30 Picnic Area in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

The Lock 30 Picnic Area is located in downtown Brunswick, Maryland, at Mile 55 on the C&O Canal towpath. 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.

Finding the Lock 30 Picnic Area is a little tricky. From the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park’s Brunswick Visitor Center at the corner of West Potomac Street and South Maple Avenue, take South Maple towards the Potomac River. What causes the confusion is that the road passes through what looks like a railroad yard, which certainly doesn’t seem like a place where you should be driving. Cross one set of railroad tracks, pass through a parking lot, and after passing a second set of tracks, take the first right that you come to. This road runs parallel to the tracks and passes under the Petersville Road Bridge before curving around to a large parking area that can hold a dozen vehicles with trailers and another dozen vehicles only. The picnic area, the Lock 30 Boat Ramp, and Lock 30 itself are all located here.

The Lock 30 Picnic Area consists of three tables and three grills in a large field next to the parking lot. Two of the tables are in the shade and one is out in the open. 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 still welcome to picnic at Lock 30, but they run the risk of not getting picnic tables. Also, groups of more than 25 people need a Special Use Permit.

Back to the Top