C&O Canal National Historical Park
Maryland · Northeast
Easy
April-June
Free (towpath); vehicle fee at Great Falls
Dawn to dusk daily
About This Location
The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park stretches 184.5 miles along the Potomac River from Georgetown in Washington, DC to Cumberland, Maryland. The canal's flat towpath and surrounding riparian forest create one of the best linear birding corridors in the mid-Atlantic region.
The towpath's diverse habitats — canal remnants, floodplain forest, river bluffs, and wetlands — support an exceptional spring migration. Louisiana Waterthrushes return as early as late March, and by May the corridor hosts breeding Cerulean Warblers, Yellow-throated Warblers, Acadian Flycatchers, and Kentucky Warblers. Bald Eagles are common along the river, and the Great Falls section offers dramatic scenery alongside excellent birding. The flat, well-maintained towpath makes this one of the most accessible long-distance birding trails in the region.
Location
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Notable Species
Live Bird Data
Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Notable Sightings
Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days
American Wigeon
Mareca americana
Marsh Wren
Cistothorus palustris
Vesper Sparrow
Pooecetes gramineus
Least Bittern
Botaurus exilis
Little Blue Heron
Egretta caerulea
Cape May Warbler
Setophaga tigrina
Veery
Catharus fuscescens
Yellow-breasted Chat
Icteria virens
Blue Grosbeak
Passerina caerulea
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
American Crow
Chimney Swift
House Sparrow
Rock Pigeon
Fish Crow
White-breasted Nuthatch
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Blue Jay
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Gray Catbird
American Robin
House Finch
White-throated Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Northern Cardinal
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Birding Tips
- 1
The section from Georgetown to Great Falls is the most accessible and productive for spring birding
- 2
Listen for Louisiana Waterthrushes along rocky tributary streams as early as late March
- 3
The towpath is flat and paved in sections — ideal for biking between birding stops
- 4
Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity
- 5
Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Great Falls Park
- Georgetown
- Harpers Ferry
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Maryland Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Maryland →