Founded in 2007, the C&O Canal Trust is the official non-profit partner of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Our mission is to work in partnership with the National Park Service to preserve, promote, and protect the C&O Canal. The Trust engages communities and individuals to realize the Park’s historical, natural, cultural heritage and recreational potential.

The C&O Canal Trust offers active programs throughout the Montgomery County area of the Park, including:

– Canal Quarters, an interpretive overnight experience in historic lockhouses;
– Trip-Planning Tools, including the C&O Canal Explorer Mobile App, and Canal Towns Partnership, initiatives encouraging exploration and tourism in the area;
– Volunteer Programs, opportunities to participate in needed beautification, maintenance, and preservation efforts in the Park; and
– Canal For All, an outreach program serving youth and adults from underrepresented communities with opportunities to play, learn, serve, and work in the Park.