Excellent to stop and park when you going to walk the C&O canel trail. The only draw back is the step from the parking lot to the trail. Recommended for walking and bike riding.
See the lock system of the C&O canal. The house is not open but there is some signage for interpretation, also the locks are completely laid bare for viewing. The views from the trail are great and the trail itself is excellent.
This area is so serene, it has the richest views of the Potomac and the C&O canal. Parking is easy and only a small walk down the stairs to the river .
Nice clean spot to access the C&O canal. Great parking. Fairly steep path down to canal/lock. If bike packing might be a good idea to take bags down separately. Then load up once at canal level.
It's a really great location for a quiet walk that's actually in the city. Weekdays are best but it's really not ever that crowded. Just don't tell anyone else! ?
I absolutely love this area of the canal. It intersects with the capital crescent trail. You can stay on the canal or pop onto the trail. The crescent trail is a lot smoother. Park here at Lock 8 and bike/run/walk 8 miles to DC. Grab a light lunch and head back. Ok highly recommend it!
Quite good shape, but a bit of a climb down with some large steps from nearest parking. Usually has water on the lower end that on occasion can appear similar to an operational level.
Nice place to access the C&O for a hike or bike. Park on a residential street and go down a short trail to access the canal. There is a picnic table in front of the lock keeper's house.
This place is better than Lock 10. Not much place for any activity other than enjoying nature and beautiful views of Potomac river. Free Car parking lot is there and there is a trail along the river but you will not have views of Potomac river. You may visit once.
This cosy and nice place is highly recommended for a short walk and listening to the rushing river, visit it after the rain on upstream, rumbling river is so cool.
Picture was taken 6/5/18 just South of lock 8. Little Falls river gauge was at just over 12' of flood stage. Only one other place further South had a little water on it, but if we ever get above 13', I think this portion of the trail will be completely underwater.
Lock 8 has a Lockhouse, and it faces the Potomac River. During the Winter, you can get a great view of the River from this Lockhouse. There is a trail that takes you to the river, where you can get an amazing view of the Potomac River, in front of you, to your right and left. This is definitely my favorite spot between Lock 8 and Lock 11.
I've just arrived to Lock 8 on my cross country bicycle tour, Tour De PACLANTIC, and the entire tow path is gorgeous ever since I hopped on it at the Georgetown Visitors Center and trail head. See the photo! Highly recommend a visit!
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