Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, District of Columbia, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, District of Columbia, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
  2. Important essentials for Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
  3. Activities for Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
  4. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, District of Columbia, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, District of Columbia, United States of America, the best time to go is September. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, District of Columbia, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, District of Columbia, United States of America by month

January

January here is cold. Temperatures average in the 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you're gonna visit Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, prepare to get wet, and take these:

February

February is cold. Temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

If you're gonna visit Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, prepare to get wet, and take these:

March

March in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the right kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

If you're gonna visit Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, prepare to get wet, and take these:

April

If you are traveling to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park in April, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you're gonna visit Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, prepare to get wet, and take these:

May

May in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you're gonna visit Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, prepare to get wet, and take these:

June

June can be very hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

If you're gonna visit Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, prepare to get wet, and take these:

July

July in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the correct kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

If you're gonna visit Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, prepare to get wet, and take these:

August

If you visit Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park during August, you will probably see that it is extremely hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

If you're gonna visit Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, prepare to get wet, and take these:

September

September in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

If you're gonna visit Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, prepare to get wet, and take these:

October

October is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you're gonna visit Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, prepare to get wet, and take these:

November

November here can be chilly. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

If you're gonna visit Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, prepare to get wet, and take these:

December

December in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park can be brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you're gonna visit Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, prepare to get wet, and take these:

What to do in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, District of Columbia, United States of America

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is a fascinating destination located in the District of Columbia, United States of America. The park offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historic landmarks, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage of the region. With over 184.5 miles of towpath, this park is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. Here is a list of the top tourist attractions in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.

1. Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center

Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center is an excellent starting point for exploring the park's history and natural beauty. The visitor center is located at the end of MacArthur Blvd, and it provides visitors with interactive exhibits, films, and educational programs. The tavern is a restored historical building that dates back to the 1830s, and it served as a popular rest stop for the canal boatmen.

2. Billy Goat Trail

The Billy Goat Trail is an 8.5-mile loop that offers hikers a challenging and scenic adventure. The trail runs through the Potomac River and the C&O Canal, and it includes rocky terrain, steep climbs, and stunning views of the Potomac River. There are three sections of the Billy Goat Trail, and each offers a different level of difficulty, making it a favorite among hikers of all skill levels.

3. Paw Paw Tunnel

The Paw Paw Tunnel is a 3/4-mile-long tunnel that runs through the mountain, bypassing the Paw Paw Bend. The tunnel was completed in 1850 and is one of the park's most impressive engineering feats. Visitors can walk through the tunnel, and it offers an eerie and exciting experience as you walk in the darkness with just a flashlight.

4. Lockhouse 10

Lockhouse 10 is a restored canal lockhouse that dates back to the 1830s. The lockhouse provides visitors with the opportunity to experience life on the canal during the 19th century. The lockhouse is fully furnished, and visitors can stay overnight in the rental building for a unique and immersive experience.

5. C&O Canal Boat Rides

The C&O Canal Boat Rides are a popular attraction in the park, offering visitors an authentic experience of traveling on a mule-drawn canal boat. The canal boat ride takes visitors back in time to the 1870s and showcases the canal's history and importance in the mid-19th century.

6. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is located at the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and is part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The park features a restored 19th-century town, historic trails, and monuments that commemorate the Battle of Harpers Ferry in 1862.

Conclusion

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is a destination that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. With its scenic towpath, rugged terrain, and restored landmarks, this park provides tourists with a wide range of activities to explore. From hiking and biking to canal boat rides and historical tours, this park should be on every traveler's bucket list.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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