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
Mute Swan
Cygnus olor
Trumpeter Swan
Cygnus buccinator
Little Blue Heron
Egretta caerulea
Mississippi Kite
Ictinia mississippiensis
Common Tern
Sterna hirundo
Dickcissel
Spiza americana
Northern Harrier
Circus hudsonius
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Hairy Woodpecker
Northern House Wren
Gray Catbird
American Robin
Song Sparrow
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Blue Jay
American Crow
European Starling
House Sparrow
Canada Goose
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Acadian Flycatcher
Fish Crow
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Carolina Wren
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 →