The C&O Canal National Historical Park will be closed for the duration of the government shutdown.

During the shutdown, the Park is closed. This includes the towpath and all facilities. Visitation is strictly prohibited.

• Visitor traffic, whether on foot, bike, or horse, is strictly prohibited.
• Bicyclists planning rides from Pittsburgh to DC on the GAP and C&O Canal should plan to turn back at Cumberland.
• All Visitors Centers are CLOSED.
• Hiker/Bikers and campgrounds are CLOSED.
• The Canal Quarters lockhouses are CLOSED.
• All restroom facilities, both permanent and portable, are CLOSED.
• Handles have been removed from all well pumps.
• The only Park staff that will be on duty will be law enforcement rangers.
• The portion of the Capital Crescent Trail that runs parallel to the towpath in DC is managed by the C&O Canal NHP and is CLOSED. 
• All access roads to the Park are CLOSED. This means you will not be able to trailer boats to boat ramps along the towpath.
• Interpretive and educational programming in the Park will be temporarily suspended. School field trips to the Park will need to be rescheduled once Park staff has returned.
• Volunteer events and events requiring special use permits will not be able to take place.
• All volunteers working in an official capacity should cease volunteer activities immediately and not enter the Park's premises.