A trip to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers you an opportunity to discover historical, natural, and recreational treasures. Riley's Lock in Seneca offers space to unleash the kids, and things to see as well. Riley's Lockhouse #24 was built out of red sandstone, (like the red stone of the Smithsonian Castle on the Mall) from the adjacent Seneca Quarries. The Potomac River, three-quarters of a mile wide here, has long been a popular site for fishing and boating. At the canal's heyday, hundreds of boats traveled the 185 miles from Cumberland to Georgetown, carrying coal, grain and building supplies into the city. Older children helped their parents "lock through" boats and tend to vegetable gardens from which produce was sold to passing boatmen and their families. From the Beltway, take Exit 39 (River Road) west. Follow River Road 12 miles to Riley's Lock Road. The parking lot is adjacent to the lockhouse.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Seneca Landing - Riley's Lock and 8,000 other beaches.