MNPS Field Trip: Late Spring on Upper C & O (Tuesday)

Leaders: Clara Thiel, Frostburg State University, & Liz McDowell, MNPS 

Location: C & O Canal at Spring Gap near Cumberland, MD

According to the C & O Canal Trust, in the mid-1700’s Spring Gap provided a shallow river-crossing of the Potomac River. The canal was constructed in the mid-1840’s and operated until 1924. Long after the canal closed, Spring Gap was the starting point for Chief Justice William Douglas's historic walk to Washington, DC to promote the canal as a national park. This will be an easy walk along the towpath where we’ll find a large variety of both native and non-native plants.  Bring your binoculars to appreciate the giant oaks, sycamores, and tulip trees.  Bring a hand-lens to take a closer look at the many wildflowers. 

RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED. Participants should wear trail shoes and long pants (poison ivy).  Be sure to bring water, tick spray, and sunscreen. In case of severe weather this field trip will be cancelled. The cancellation notice will be posted under the trip listing on the MNPS website by 7:00 am.

Directions:  From I-68 in Cumberland, MD follow MD 51 south for about 8 miles; turn right into Spring Gap parking area. There are pit and portable toilets available in varying degrees of cleanliness so bring your own paper & hand sanitizer.

39° 33' 52.7101" N 78° 43' 4.4900" W

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