Ranger Led Programs at Hancock

C&O Canal National Historical Park News Release

Release Date: August 10, 2011
For Immediate Release
Hollie Lynch, Park Ranger, (301) 491-0149

C & O Canal features Ranger Led Programs August 14 in Hancock, Maryland

Hancock, MD. – The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park will feature ranger led programs for youth and adults on Sunday, August 14, 2011 at the park’s historic Bowles House Visitor Center located at 439 E. Main Street, Hancock, Maryland.
Starting at 10:00 a.m. youth and families can join a park ranger to ‘Bike through History’, a 2 hour ride along the C & O Canal towpath. Visitors will learn about canal operations near Hancock and see historic structures along the old canal, including Lock 52 remains, Tonoloway Aqueduct, Round Top Cement Mill ruins and the unique geological feature known as Devil’s Eyebrow. The program will begin at the Bowles House Visitor Center and will include a 9 mile loop ride. Children 15 years of age and under are required to wear helmets by Maryland State Law. Please bring plenty of water to keep hydrated.

Following the bike tour, a Junior Ranger Explorers program will be offered from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the visitor center. Youth ages 15 and under are welcome to participate. The program will feature a variety of activities encouraging youth to explore the park through nature, history and recreation. Youth participating in activities will receive a National Park Service Junior Ranger badge or patch and a certificate.

In addition to programs, the C & O Canal’s Bowles House Visitor Center is free and open to the public Friday to Tuesday, Memorial Day weekend through October, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The historic home is free to tour and features a variety of videos, photographs and exhibits that interpret the stories of families who occupied the home and canal operations in Hancock, Maryland. For more information on events and programs or to schedule a group tour please contact the visitor center at (301) 745 – 5877 or visit the website at www.nps.gov/choh .