Project Links
Reconstruct/Stabilize Historic Stone Wall & Towpath McMahon's Mill to Lock 42
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park » Reconstruct/Stabilize Historic Stone Wall & Towpath McMahon's Mill to Lock 42 » Document List
The National Park Service (NPS) has finalized the design for an approved plan to stabilize a historic stone wall and raise parts of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath, move it farther from the Potomac River, and resurface it. The improvements will be made between McMahon's Mill (milepost 88.1) and Lock 42 (milepost 89.0) in Washington County, Maryland.
Currently, high water makes sections of the towpath in this area impassable many times each year, requiring a 3-mile detour for hikers and bikers on narrow, winding county roads. In accordance with the National Environmental Protection Act, the project plan and environmental assessment were approved in April 2019 with the signing of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
The project will resurface the length of the towpath from McMahon's Mill to Lock 42, stabilize and reconstruct portions of the towpath's stone wall, move short sections of the towpath farther inland, widen areas to allow access for emergency and maintenance vehicles, and raise the elevation of some areas of the towpath. This will improve safety and reduce the impacts of high water events to the towpath, historic features of the park, and park visitors.
Public Information Officer
C&O Canal National Historical Park
1850 Dual Highway
Suite 100
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
301-491-0149
Currently, high water makes sections of the towpath in this area impassable many times each year, requiring a 3-mile detour for hikers and bikers on narrow, winding county roads. In accordance with the National Environmental Protection Act, the project plan and environmental assessment were approved in April 2019 with the signing of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
The project will resurface the length of the towpath from McMahon's Mill to Lock 42, stabilize and reconstruct portions of the towpath's stone wall, move short sections of the towpath farther inland, widen areas to allow access for emergency and maintenance vehicles, and raise the elevation of some areas of the towpath. This will improve safety and reduce the impacts of high water events to the towpath, historic features of the park, and park visitors.
Contact Information
Hollie LynchPublic Information Officer
C&O Canal National Historical Park
1850 Dual Highway
Suite 100
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
301-491-0149