Ranger Programs - Great Falls Tavern

Attend a Ranger Program and learn more about the history of the C&O Canal, meet the park mules, explore nature, and more! Interpretive programs are offered daily, Wednesday-Sunday. In addition to regularly scheduled programs, special events like Holidays at the Tavern, National Park Week, and more are scheduled throughout the year. Check the park calendar for upcoming special events and activities.

The Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center is open year-round, Wednesday-Sunday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The visitor center includes a Discovery Space that features hands-on activities that rotate every month, and an exhibit room that features information about mules and the C&O Canal. Visitors can also earn their Junior Ranger badge by stopping by the visitor center to pick up and complete an activity book.

Program Descriptions

Meet the Mules

Meet members of the park's current mule herd and learn more about the unique hybrid-species. Mules were often referred to as the 'engines of the canal' as they pulled thousands of boats up and down the canal from Georgetown to Cumberland, MD and back. Join a ranger for this unique program and learn more about how mules helped to shape the history of the C&O Canal and the United States.

Location: Mule pen behind Great Falls Tavern
Program type: Walk-up (spend as much or little time as you like)
Duration: 3 hours
Reservations: No

Music on the Canal

Let’s make some music! Come explore the musical traditions of the people who lived and worked on the C&O Canal through hands-on activities and live musical performances. A variety of historical instruments including dulcimers and banjo are available for visitors to touch and play. Primary sources highlight different music from the 19th century. And the Northern Virginia Dulcimer Group will play interpretations of historic sounds and songs.

Location: Great Falls Tavern
Program type: Performance
Duration: 2 hours
Reservation: No

Hiking Etiquette 101

Join a park ranger for a guided hike of the River Trail and learn about basic hiking etiquette. Learn about the negative impacts of social trails, the seven principles of Leave No Trace, and how to be a responsible steward of natural resources. Visitors are the park's greatest resources to conserve nature and keep the park clean! The River Trail is considered moderate in difficulty.

Location: Great Falls Tavern & River Trail
Program type: Guided Hike
Duration: 1.5 hours
Reservations: No

B.A.R.K. Ranger

Pets and their people are invited to become official C&O Canal B.A.R.K. Rangers to help them have a safe and enjoyable experience in the park. With miles of towpath and hiking trails to explore, it’s easy for pets to experience new sights, sounds, and smells. Take the pledge to follow the Rules of B.A.R.K.!

Location: Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
Program type: Walk-up (spend as much or little time as you like)
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Reservations: No