Picnic tables along the path to the Paw Paw Tunnel in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
The Paw Paw Tunnel Picnic Area is located at Mile 155.8 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.
From the Paw Paw Tunnel parking area, the tunnel itself is located a half-mile down a level, gravel path. Along this path are a number of picnic tables that make up the Paw Paw Tunnel Picnic Area. There is a portable toilet at the tunnel as well as a hand-pumped water spigot that produces water treated with iodine so that it is drinkable, provided you are not physically adverse to iodine. The water is turned off from November 15th through April 15th.
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. The Paw Paw Tunnel Picnic Area is really not a suitable place for a large group.
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Last updated on June 26, 2024
