Stairs from the aqueduct to the picnic area
The Seneca Creek Aqueduct Picnic Area is located at Mile 22.7 on the C&O Canal towpath. A large parking lot is at the site. 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.
There is a small picnic area at the Seneca Creek Aqueduct and Lock 24. These were built as one structure, the only instance of such construction on the canal. When standing at the upstream end of the aqueduct, there is a set of stairs that leads down to a large field situated along the Potomac River where you will find three picnic tables and two grills.
Picnic tables situated on a large field at the Seneca Creek Aqueduct
On the downstream end of the canal at Lock 24 is a lone picnic table and grill next to the Potomac.
Picnic table at the downstream end of the canal
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 Seneca Creek, but they run the risk of not getting picnic tables. Also, groups of more than 25 people need a Special Use Permit.
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Last updated on April 24, 2020
