C&O Canal National Historical Park stretches 184.5 miles between Cumberland MD and Washington DC. Various sections of the canal can be reached via Routes I-495, I-70, and I-68. Please see a park map or contact one of six visitor centers for specific directions. Once at the park, hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding (from mile 16.6 to mile 184.5) are the most popular ways to travel. There are many access points along the route.

Public transportation is available via Amtrak's Capital Limited services to the following points along the canal: Washington, DC, Harpers Ferry, WV, and Cumberland, MD.