If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to enjoy the outdoors with your dog near Washington, DC, consider becoming a C&O Canal B.A.R.K. Ranger.
This new program at the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park near Great Falls Tavern, Maryland, allows you and your furry friend to explore nature, learn about the park’s history, and promote responsible pet ownership. It’s the newest of the B.A.R.K. Ranger programs in the DC area.
In this guide, I’ll explain what it takes to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger and why this activity is a great outing for you and your dog. I’ll also highlight some aspects that make this less dog-friendly than many other parks in the area.
Table of Contents
What are B.A.R.K. Rangers?
B.A.R.K. Rangers are canine ambassadors for responsible pet ownership and outdoor exploration within national parks. Not every national park has a B.A.R.K. Ranger program, and there is no standard across parks, except for the B.A.R.K. Ranger Code.
The B.A.R.K. Ranger Code encourages visitors to follow four simple principles to ensure safety and enjoyment for both pets and wildlife:
- Bag Your Waste: Always pick up after your dog and dispose of waste properly.
- Always Wear a Leash: Keep your dog on a leash no longer than six feet to protect wildlife and other visitors.
- Respect Wildlife: Prevent your pet from disturbing the local flora and fauna.
- Know Where You Can Go: Stay on designated trails and follow park regulations about pet-friendly areas.
The program encourages responsible use of the parks to protect them for future generations of humans and animals to enjoy. They’re also a fun way to be reminded of correct usage of our shared lands.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park
The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, commonly known as the C&O Canal, is a historical landmark with roots in the early 19th century. Construction began in 1828 with the goal of creating a vital transportation route from the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Potomac River to the Ohio River in the western territories.
While it never reached the Ohio River, for nearly a century, the canal served as a commercial waterway, facilitating the transport of goods such as coal, lumber, and agricultural products between Washington, DC, and Cumberland, Maryland. At its peak, the canal stretched 184.5 miles and featured 74 locks.
In 1961, the area was designated a national historical park to preserve its cultural and environmental significance. Today, visitors can explore remnants of the canal’s industrial past, including preserved lockhouses, aqueducts, and the towpath, which is now a popular trail for hiking, biking, and dog walking.
The park also serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife, with ecosystems ranging from wetlands to forests. This combination of natural beauty and historical relevance makes it a unique destination for locals and tourists alike.
Great Falls Tavern
The C&O Canal National Historical Park stretches from Washington, DC to Cumberland, Maryland, and the Great Falls Tavern near Potomac, Maryland is one of the key features of the park.
The Great Falls Tavern once served as a hub for canal operations and now offers educational exhibits, ranger programs, and easy access to the park’s famous waterfalls. It is situated on the Maryland side of Great Falls and the Mather Gorge.
It’s here that you and your dog can embark (get it?) on the journey to becoming a B.A.R.K. Ranger.
Great Falls Tavern vs Great Falls Park
There are two different national parks on each side Great Falls: Great Falls Tavern in the C&O Canal park in Potomac, Maryland and Great Falls Park in Great Falls, Virginia. Both have B.A.R.K. Ranger programs, views of the falls, hiking trails, and remnants of canals.
For this B.A.R.K. Ranger badge, you want to go to the Maryland side of Great Falls to the Great Falls Tavern. While the parks are directly across the river from each other, they are about a 25 minute drive from each other, so make sure you are going to the right one!
Pet-Unfriendly Aspects of C&O Canal Park
I love the C&O Canal around the Great Falls Tavern. It’s one of my favorite parks in the area. However, there are some rules that don’t make the park as dog-friendly as other parks you may be used to in the DC area.
The visitor’s center does not allow dogs. This is pretty standard, but I did want to call it out since I have seen some references to it allowing dogs. There is only one part of the visitor’s center that allows dogs, and it’s not the main part, and you’ll need to go into that part to get your badge.
There are no trash cans. C&O Canal NHP is a trash-free park. That means there are no trash cans or dumpsters. You are expected to take any and all trash with you, including any bags of dog poop. Plan ahead for this.
Dogs are not allowed on the Great Falls observation deck. There is a boardwalk over to the islands and observation deck of the falls themselves, and dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk. This means that if you want to see Great Falls (and it is very pretty), you’ll need to take turns, with one person staying on the towpath while the other goes to look at the water falls. If you want to take your dog with you while you look at the falls, go to Great Falls Park instead (I think the view is better from there anyway).
Dogs are not allowed on Billy Goat Trail A, which is the trail everyone thinks of when they think of the Billy Goat Trail. The trail involves some climbing that dogs wouldn’t be able to make, and there are some natural dangers on the trail. This means that you can’t see the Mather Gorge if you have your dog with you, though you can see it from the dog-friendly trails at Great Falls Park on the Virginia side.
Dogs are not allowed on the canal boat ride. This is my favorite thing to do at the park, so I am bummed out that I can’t go on days that I bring my dog.
There is still a lot of fun to be had at the park with your dog, and you can still see some beautiful scenery. The park also has plenty of trails in the hills that aren’t the Billy Goat Trail A for you to enjoy with your dog.
How to Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger at C&O Canal
While the process for becoming a C&O Canal B.A.R.K. Ranger was very easy, it is only available during limited hours.
The two biggest pieces of advice I have is:
- Make sure you’re on the Maryland side of Great Falls
- You need to get your badge between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm on Fridays
These are the biggest blockers to people getting their C&O Canal NHP B.A.R.K. Ranger badge!
Go to Great Falls Tavern in the C&O Canal National Historical Park
…and make sure it’s a Friday afternoon.
Great Falls Tavern is located on the Maryland side of Great Falls at 11710 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, Maryland. But the B.A.R.K. Ranger program is currently only available at the visitor’s center from 1:00 to 3:00 pm on Fridays (excluding federal holidays), so you want to plan it so that you will be at the visitor’s center during these hours. I recommend you hike after you get your badge so you don’t miss the opening hours.
Once you’re there, there is a $20 entrance fee per vehicle to enter the park. They do not accept cash, and it can only be paid with a credit or debit card.
Note that in nice weather, the parking lot can get full on weekend. Since this is currently only happening on Fridays, this shouldn’t be as much of a problem, but weekends or holidays can get crowded.
Go in the Visitor’s Center in the Great Falls Tavern
The visitor’s center is located in the Great Falls Tavern near the parking lot (you can’t miss it). The main entrance to the Tavern from the parking lot has the visitor’s center.
The visitor’s center is not dog friendly. You will need to leave your dog outside with a human companion.
Go inside the tavern between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm on a Friday and tell a ranger that your pet is ready to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger. They’ll instruct you to go around to the Discovery Center and meet them there.
Go to the Discovery Center
The Discovery Center is located on the right side of the building facing the canal, and is the hands on exhibit area located behind the doors under the porch roof.
Bring your dog into the Discovery Center and meet the ranger. They will tell you about the B.A.R.K. code of conduct and have your dog stamp its paw on the pledge. Our dog wanted no part of the paw stamp, and that’s okay too!
Once your dog is sworn in, you’ll get the metal C&O Canal B.A.R.K. Ranger badge. The packaging has a historic photo of the canal in action, and the badge itself is two sided. You won’t see it right away because it’s hidden by the packaging, but the back says “B.A.R.K. Ranger” with a paw print while the front has C&O Canal National Historic Park.
Explore the Park and Canal Towpath
I recommend that you explore the park after you get your badge so that you don’t have to worry about missing your window to get it.
The canal towpath is a perfect trail for leashed dogs. Its flat terrain makes it accessible for all fitness levels, and it’s mostly shaded to keep you and your dog comfortable. Along the way, you’ll encounter preserved locks, lockhouses, aqueducts, and other remnants of the canal’s past.
If you go southeast from the Great Falls Tavern towards the Billy Goat Trail and falls observation deck, you will get to some really beautiful scenery, including where the canal opens up into a natural waterway called Widewater. If you go northwest, it’s less dramatic, but beautiful and peaceful.
While walking the towpath, you’ll be surrounded by the park’s diverse ecosystems. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including herons, turtles, and deer, but be sure to follow the B.A.R.K. principle of respecting wildlife by keeping your dog at a safe distance.
In addition to walking the towpath, you can explore the other trails, like the Gold Mine Trail and the Overlook Trail. You can get a great view of the Potomac from the Overlook Trail.
What’s Next?
Becoming a C&O Canal B.A.R.K. Ranger is a fun thing to do with your dog near DC while you explore and soak in some of the area’s natural beauty. By following the B.A.R.K. principles, you’ll not only enhance your visit to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park but also contribute to preserving its beauty for future generations.
Once your dog earns their B.A.R.K. Ranger badge, consider exploring other DC area parks with B.A.R.K. Ranger programs. Becoming a B.A.R.K. Ranger at Great Falls Park across the river is a fun next stop so you can see the falls from another perspective and learn more about the unique geology and ecology of the area.
From hiking trails to historical sites, the DC area offers a variety of activities to keep you and your dog enriched year-round. The B.A.R.K. Ranger programs are added bonuses to keep you exploring.
FAQs
What is the B.A.R.K. Ranger program?
The B.A.R.K. Ranger program is an initiative by the National Park Service to promote responsible pet ownership in national parks. It encourages visitors to follow four principles: Bag your waste, Always wear a leash, Respect wildlife, and Know where you can go.
Where is the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center located?
The visitor center is located in the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park at 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854.
Is the canal towpath dog-friendly?
Yes, the canal towpath is dog-friendly as long as your dog is leashed and you follow park regulations. It’s a great trail for walking and exploring with your pet.
Can I take my dog on the Billy Goat Trail?
No, you cannot take your dog on the Billy Goat Trail A (the trail most people think of when they hear “Billy Goat Trail”). The trail is unsuitable and too dangerous for dogs. Trails B and C do allow dogs, though they are frequently closed due to weather.
Do I need to pay to become a C&O Canal B.A.R.K. Ranger?
While there is no fee to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger, there is an entrance fee for the park of $20 per car. Your B.A.R.K. Ranger badge is included in your entrance fee.
Does my pet need to be present to get a badge?
Yes, your pet must be with you at the C&O Canal in order to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger and earn a badge.
Can my dog go inside the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center?
No, not into the Visitor’s Center main entrance. Leashed dogs are allowed in the Discovery Center, where the B.A.R.K. Ranger swearing in happens.
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