McCoys Ferry Picnic Area at Mile 110.4 on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath

McCoys Ferry Picnic Area is located at Mile 110.4 on the C&O Canal towpath. The road into the park splits, with a left leading uphill on a paved road and a right leading downhill on a dirt road. Take the dirt road. There is a tunnel with a 10′ 3” clearance, so be aware of that. 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.

McCoys Ferry has a beautiful picnic area situated on a level, grassy field with plenty of shade trees. There are five tables, each with their own grill. Parking is close by, so it’s not a big hassle to carry your picnic supplies to the tables. It is located in the same park as the McCoys Ferry Campground and Boat Ramp.

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 McCoys Ferry, but they run the risk of not getting picnic tables. Also, groups of more than 25 people need a Special Use Permit.