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
Common Gallinule
Gallinula galeata
Tricolored Heron
Egretta tricolor
Black-bellied Plover
Pluvialis squatarola
Mississippi Kite
Ictinia mississippiensis
Louisiana Waterthrush
Parkesia motacilla
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Empidonax flaviventris
Tennessee Warbler
Leiothlypis peregrina
Common Merganser
Mergus merganser
Swainson's Thrush
Catharus ustulatus
Alder Flycatcher
Empidonax alnorum
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Black-and-white Warbler
Canada Goose
Black Vulture
Osprey
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
Mourning Dove
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Tufted Titmouse
Northern Cardinal
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
House Finch
Great Blue Heron
Turkey Vulture
Chimney Swift
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
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 →