Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal NHP) is one of the most scenic and historically significant wheelchair-accessible destinations in the Mid-Atlantic region. Spanning 184 miles from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland, this park preserves the legacy of the C&O Canal, which once served as a major transportation route for goods along the Potomac River.
Two of the most accessible trails in the park are the Olmsted Island Trail and the C&O Canal Towpath near Great Falls, Maryland. Olmsted Island Trail offers a fully wheelchair-friendly boardwalk leading to one of the best waterfall overlooks on the East Coast. The C&O Canal Towpath, on the other hand, provides a longer, relatively level route through history, following the path where mules once pulled canal boats. Together, these trails offer an incredible, barrier-free outdoor adventure with breathtaking scenery, rich history, and an immersive nature experience.
Olmsted Island Trail
Olmsted Island Trail, located in Great Falls Park within C&O Canal NHP. Olmsted Island Trail is one of the most accessible trails in the entire National Park System, providing visitors with a safe, smooth pathway to an incredible view of Great Falls. The trail begins near the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center in Potomac, Maryland, and leads across a series of small islands connected by a sturdy boardwalk before reaching the Great Falls overlook.
The boardwalk surface is completely smooth, with no steps, steep inclines, or loose gravel, making it perfect for manual and power wheelchair users. The trail is short—just 0.25 miles (0.4 km) one way, making for a 0.5-mile round trip—but every step (or roll) provides stunning views of the rushing rapids, rocky cliffs, and forested surroundings.
At the end of the boardwalk, visitors will find a spacious, fully wheelchair-accessible viewing platform. The overlook has low railings, ensuring that wheelchair users can enjoy an unobstructed view of Great Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls on the East Coast.
At the trailhead, visitors will find accessible parking spaces in the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center lot. The parking lot connects to the boardwalk entrance via a short, level, paved path. Additionally, accessible restrooms with grab bars are available at the visitor center.
Inside the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, guests can explore wheelchair-friendly exhibits about the history of the canal, the region’s wildlife, and early engineering feats. The visitor center has ramped entrances and is staffed with park rangers who can provide assistance as needed.
C&O Canal Towpath
The C&O Canal Towpath is a long, historic trail that runs alongside the old Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, once used for transporting cargo between Washington, D.C., and the Appalachian Mountains. Today, the towpath is a popular, mostly flat trail, perfect for exploring nature and history in a wheelchair.
The towpath stretches for 184 miles, but some of the best wheelchair-friendly sections are located near Great Falls, Maryland. Here, visitors can enjoy a relatively smooth, hard-packed dirt and gravel surface, making for a firm ride along the canal. The best access points near Great Falls include:
- Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center (Milepost 14.3) – Offers an easy, mostly flat section of the towpath with beautiful views of the historic locks and canal structures.
- Riley’s Lock (Milepost 22) – Features a scenic, level stretch of the towpath with good accessibility and picturesque views of the Potomac River.
Unlike Olmsted Island Trail, which has a fully smooth wooden surface, the C&O Canal Towpath is made of compacted dirt and gravel. While the surface can be slightly bumpy, it remains one of the most wheelchair-friendly long-distance trails in the U.S.. For visitors who want a smoother experience, some sections of the towpath have been paved, particularly near urban areas like Georgetown in Washington, D.C..
The towpath is mostly level, with gentle slopes and very few obstacles, making it manageable for most wheelchair users. However, after heavy rain, some areas may become muddy or slightly uneven, so it’s best to check trail conditions before visiting.
In some locations, the towpath crosses historic stone aqueducts and lock areas, which may have rougher surfaces. Manual wheelchair users may need assistance in these spots, but power wheelchairs and rugged all-terrain chairs generally handle the trail well.
Best Times to Visit & Helpful Tips
Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit, offering mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Spring brings lush greenery and high water levels, making the falls more dramatic, while fall offers stunning foliage along the river and canal.
For a quieter, more relaxing experience, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when crowds are smaller.
If planning to explore the C&O Canal Towpath, be sure to check weather conditions in advance. The hard-packed dirt trail can become muddy after rain, and some sections may have loose gravel that could make navigation slightly more difficult.
For longer outings on the towpath, consider bringing snacks, water, and binoculars, as the trail passes through areas rich with wildlife, historic structures, and scenic river views.
Getting There
- By Car: Olmsted Island Trail and the C&O Canal Towpath can be accessed at Great Falls Park, which is about 15 miles west of Washington, D.C.. The main entrance is located off MacArthur Blvd in Potomac, Maryland.
- Address: 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854
- By Public Transit: There is no direct public transportation to Great Falls Park. However, visitors can take the Metro Red Line to Rockville Station and then use a taxi or rideshare service to reach the park.
