LocktoberfestDC: 4-mile walk exploring historic Washington D.C. canals

Our scenic and historic stroll begins along the C&O Canal where we will see an operational lift lock. From there we walk to C&O Canal Mile 0, a stone marker at the canal's southeastern terminus. Here we see the ruins of Tide Lock A that connected the C&O Canal to the Potomac River. Then we walk along the footprint of the historic C&O Canal Extension until reaching its terminus at the Lockkeeper's House (where nothing remains of the historic Tide Lock B). At the Lockkeeper's House the house docent will explain the history of the house as well as the massive project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to create West Potomac Park and East Potomac Park, thus creating man-made land which covered the historic canal extension. From the Lockkeeper's House, participants are encouraged to join our LocktoberfestDC Celebration at the Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garten, which runs 3PM-5PM.

This historic photo shows Tide Lock A where the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal reached the Potomac River. From here, the C&O Canal Extension enabled boats to travel a short distance downstream and enter the Washington City Canal where the Lockkeeper's House stands today.

This maps shows the 4-mile walk starts at the C&O Canal Lock 4 (B) and goes east to the Lockkeeper's House (C). We walk along the path of the C&O Canal Extension, which enabled canal boats to travel from the C&O Canal to the Washington City Canal, and thus into downtown Washington D.C. After reaching the Lockkeeper's House, we enjoy our LocktoberfestDC Celebration at the Sauf Haus Bier Hall & Garten (F).

Host or Publisher LocktoberfestDC