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Most of the C&O Canal has reopened in wake of Isabel

September 26, 2003|by MARLO BARNHART

As of Thursday, most of the 184.5-mile Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park had been reopened in the wake of Tropical Storm Isabel, which plowed through the area last week.

Still closed was a 20-mile segment of the towpath from the Pennyfield Lock in Montgomery County to the Monocacy Aqueduct in Frederick County, Acting Superintendent Kevin Brandt said.

Even in areas open to the public, visitors might encounter hazards.

"For safety reasons, visitors are asked to obey area-closed signs and to follow the directions of park employees," Brandt said.

The Williamsport and Hancock visitor centers will open at their regular scheduled times beginning Saturday.

The Georgetown Visitor Center and the Cumberland Visitor Center also are open to the public during their scheduled times.

Saturday's event, "History in Motion," at the Lander Lockhouse in Frederick County, Md., will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. But cycling, fly-fishing and canoeing activities have been canceled.

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Visitors may find access roads to the park closed.

All boat ramps and campgrounds remain closed and water pumps are not in operation so most areas don't have restroom facilities or picnic tables.

The Capital Crescent Trail is open from Georgetown to the Maryland line.

All other trails, including the Billy Goat Trail, remain closed.

The access road from MacArthur Boulevard to the Great Falls Tavern, the visitor center and Carderock remain closed.

For towpath conditions, call 301-739-4200 and follow the instructions for visitor information and towpath updates, or go to the C&O Canal Web site at www.nps.gov/choh.

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