Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal
Paw Paw, MD
A 3,118-foot canal tunnel lined with some six million bricks, finished in 1850. From the lot on MD-51 a flat towpath walk leads through it; bring a flashlight, as the path is narrow and often wet.
The Paw Paw Tunnel is a canal tunnel in the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Maryland, on the Potomac opposite Paw Paw, West Virginia. It is 3,118 feet (about 950 m) long and runs through Tunnel Hill. The C&O Canal Company built it to save roughly six miles of canal along the river. Construction began in 1836, was meant to take two years, and dragged on for 14 because of labor disputes, violence, lack of money and crumbly shale; it opened in October 1850.
The tunnel is lined with more than six million bricks. A narrow towpath with a railing runs between the canal and the sloping brick wall; it takes about 20 minutes to walk in one direction. Be sure to bring a flashlight; according to Frommer’s it is not recommended for people afraid of tight spaces or the dark. Watch for weep holes, rope grooves and brass plates every 100 feet.
Good to know: the NPS suggests parking at Paw Paw Tunnel Campground and walking about 0.5 mile to the tunnel. Cyclists must dismount in the tunnel. The steep Tunnel Hill Trail (about 2 miles) climbs over the ridge. According to the NPS (as of August 2026) the south portal is boarded up in winter but a passage stays open; check current closures in advance.
- Nearest town
- Paw Paw, MD
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 39.5436, -78.4600
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Gary's Family CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O CanalTentsCaravans
- Avalon ResortCampsite6 mi from Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O CanalTentsCaravans
- Ridge Rider CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O CanalTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Leopards MillCampsite14 mi from Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O CanalTentsFree
- Happy Hills CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O CanalTentsCaravans
- Hidden Springs CampgroundMotorhome stopover16 mi from Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O CanalCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Maryland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal?
Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal is in Paw Paw, MD, at GPS 39.5436, -78.4600. It is about 10 mi from Green Ridge State Forest.
Can you camp near Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Paw Paw Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal?
Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Western Maryland: Antietam, the C&O Canal and Swallow Falls.
What is there to see near Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal?
Places worth a stop nearby: Berkeley Springs (14 mi), Fort Frederick State Park (25 mi), Shepherdstown (36 mi) and Antietam National Battlefield (38 mi).
When is the best time to visit Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)