great falls canal boat ride

rocinante3

Our grandchildren enjoyed this trip. It is historical and the boatman had an interesting story to tell.

garybc

it's historical and a bit corny but if you want to imagine the experience a 100 years ago you can do this during the season.Check first that they are operating though and it is better to not go on a hot day.

psmith4203

What a great way to spend an afternoon! We lunched at a nearby restaurant and arrived in time for the 1:30pm boat ride. Capt Huck and his crew were wonderful. The captain's storytelling skills are excellent, as he involves everyone on the boat in sharing the story of the C&O canal. He is very knowledgeable about the history of the boats, canal, railroads and the traveling experiences of the late 1850's. Be prepared to pay the nominal NPS park fee (or use your NPS Senior Card for free admission). The fare for the boat ride was under $10/pp, which is a wonderful bargain for the hour-long ride and history lesion. . And, they had a free bike loan arrangement so you can bike along the canal tow, if you are so inclined. The kids on the boat were really having a great time, too! Worth doing again

sisflynn

A good history lesson for children; the staff is in period dress and friendly. The ride is very short. You get tickets in the little museum.

GEOFFREYA546

The bar was a map of the C & O canal. The barmen were 'Park Volunteers' who served up a lot of advice and information about the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal.The location was not easy to find without a good map and directions for another volunteer at Williamsport, MD. We were surprised to find so many visitors for a Friday and the entrance gate to this National Park unmanned.Such a gem of a park and so close to the DC beltway and so remote at the same time.

SharonK285

Awesome hiking experience at the Great Falls with beautiful scenic views surrounding each trail. Very family friendly experience with lots of water activities and nature trails for everyone.

millc54

Part of the C&O Canal this park comprises of the Great Falls Tavern, the locks with boat rides and various trails and cycle paths. The tavern is now the National Parks visitor’s center and a small museum. The museum has examples of how life was as a lock tender. We were just out for the day and did see the canal boat being pulled by two mules. The lock tenders were dressed in period costume. We walked to the Great Falls Overlook which is an easy walk along a boardwalk. The falls are impressive and you can see the observation decks on the opposite bank in Virginia. Be aware that the boat rides are only at the weekend. Golden Age pass holders get in free. There is ample parking, food and bathrooms are available.

Zajacs

It was a learning experience to see how they moved the canal boat by mules. They dressed in period cloths and explained the canal process back in the day so that even children would enjoy it.

johnpS4312GB

This is a great place to visit hiking along the river and seeing the falls, enjoying a leisurely ride in a canal boat. It is history come alive!

DaleYuzuki

Whenever guests come from out of town (or we want to get out and enjoy beautiful weather), we'll take a hike along the C&O canal 'tow path' down to the Great Falls overlook.Spacious parking (although there have been occasions where especially beautiful days there was a line of cars to get in), it's a great way to spend an hour or two on a nice walk, first down three locks (south, past the Tavern / Visitors Center), and then take a right to the overlook. Admission per car is $5.There's a well-maintained steel bridge and elevated wooden walkway, out to Olmsted Island where there's a great view of the falls from the Maryland side. (There is a Great Falls park on the Virginia side as well, from the opposite side of the river.)

AlfredJ915

Shows how we used to move goods up and down the Potomac prior to trains which have also gone by wayside. It is quaint and a reminder of days gone past.

Susanj453

The canal boat ride is fun for children. The guides on the boat dress in period costumes, adding to the charm. They offer informative talks and engage young passengers with lots of questions. One really gets an understanding of life on the canal and the importance of the canal to trade in the early days of our country.

Moblaney

This is a lot of fun for children. They get to understand how difficult transportation was in the old days. Most enjoyable ride, and the kids love to pet the gentle mules who pull the boat. The rangers and volunteer staff at the park are knowledgeable and patient, and really make the kids feel they have had a historical experience. I would not recommend this for adult visitors unless they were real history buffs, although I have seen many adults taking this ride. Its really something for little guys to enjoy. We live near the park and hike down there often, but only do the ride when friends with little children are visiting

jaimeGL

I live in the area and have this taken the boat ride a couple of times. It's very leisurely being pulled along by a mule. It's perhaps not exciting for some children but the Great Falls Park where the trips start & end offers other fun things. To miss everything else is to walk away perhaps a little disappointed with the boat ride. A visit to Great Falls on the MD side includes a very interesting museum with movies, a good walk along the canal, manually-operated locks, and a very cool path that takes you right over the Potomac. Flaura and forna everywhere, rocks, tumbling water, and a suspension bridge (but beware of kids who think it's fun to run across unsupervised). There's also a great view of the VA side of the Falls. Add a picnic area and a small snack concession and you have a great family outing. The area is operated by the National Parks http://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm

DitaS_13

Did the trip first when my kids were young, and they were bored on this elementary school field trip. It's still boring and hoaky. Just go see the canal museum at Great Falls, MD. You learn a lot more.