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Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal – C&O Canal NHP Paw Paw Tunnel Hill Trail Ribbon Cutting (6286325904)📷 C&O Canal NHP, CC BY-SA 2.0

Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal

Paw Paw, MD

History

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.

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

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)

Featured in these trip guides

Western Maryland: Antietam, the C&O Canal and Swallow Falls – Antietam National Battlefield Summer 2025© Ctrzdrmom · CC BY-SA 4.0
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Western Maryland: Antietam, the C&O Canal and Swallow Falls

144 mi7 stops3 days

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Campsites nearby

  • Gary's Family CampgroundCampsite
    6 mi from Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal
    TentsCaravans
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Avalon ResortCampsite
    6 mi from Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal
    TentsCaravans
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Ridge Rider CampgroundCampsite
    7 mi from Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal
    TentsCaravansShowersToilets
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Leopards MillCampsite
    14 mi from Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal
    TentsFree
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Happy Hills CampgroundCampsite
    14 mi from Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal
    TentsCaravans
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Hidden Springs CampgroundMotorhome stopover
    16 mi from Paw Paw Tunnel, C&O Canal
    CaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip

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 18 mi from Cumberland.

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)