Portions of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Closed in Preparation of Hurricane Irene

Staff at National Historical Park are preparing for high winds, falling trees and flooding that are expected as a result of Hurricane Irene.  

Because safety of park visitors and staff is the park’s highest priority, all park facilities, access roads, parking areas and campgrounds in Montgomery County and the District of Columbia will be closed to visitors all day Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27 and 28.

Visitors are especially discouraged from using the towpath and trails in Montgomery County and the District of Columbia throughout the weekend because of the danger of falling trees and possible flooding.

Heavy rains and high winds with gusts up to 60 mph are expected to start Saturday and go through Sunday which may result in flooding and falling trees.  In order to prevent canal flooding and resource damage, some inlet locks are being closed and sections of the canal are being be drained.