Catoctin Aqueduct

October 31, 2024 -- It was Halloween. I don't believe in dressing dogs up or taking them trick-or-treating, so I took Ty to the C&O Canal instead. We saw something new, the Catoctin Aqueduct. It was about a 50 minute drive, about 10 miles south of Frederick (not far from Point of Rocks).  It was a pleasant walk from the parking lot to the aqueduct, except for the bugs on the way back. We encountered many bicyclists and dogs. Bicyclists act like they own the towpath. Maybe it was just that day.

Real dogs go hiking not trick-or-treating.

C&O Canal aqueducts are “water bridges” that carried canal boats over the creeks and rivers that flowed into the Potomac River. Built in 1832, the Catoctin Aqueduct is 1 of 11 aqueducts on the canal. The Catoctin Creek Aqueduct was also known as the "Crooked Aqueduct" because canal boats had to make a sharp turn to cross it.

Catoctin Aqueduct, ca. 1834 (rebuilt 2011)

From the beginning, the Catoctin Creek Aqueduct's structural integrity was questionable. In the early 1900's the aqueduct began sagging. It leaked and was prone to flooding. It collapsed in 1973; Hurricane Agnes delivering the final blow. The National Park Service gathered up the aqueduct's stones in hopes that they might be used again. It wasn't until 35 years later that there was enough funding to rebuild the aqueduct; 459 of the original stones were recovered and used to reconstruct the historic aqueduct.

Catoctin Creek

There is a stone railroad bridge (viaduct) adjacent to the Catoctin Aqueduct. It is at this location that the two titans of transportation argued over who got to built what where. The B&O Railroad bridge was more scenic than the aqueduct. There were beautiful reflections of trees in the water.

B&O Railroad Viaduct (stone bridge)

Lock 29 and Lockhouse 29 are located about 0.6 miles from the Catoctin Aqueduct. This was where we parked to visit the aqueduct. Lock 29 was originally completed in 1834. It contains a bypass flume. The nearby lockhouse was completed in 1837. It replaced an earlier wood structure. Not sure if the lockhouse is open for overnight stays. 

Lock 29 and Lockhouse 29

Lockhouse 29, ca. 1837

There is a boat ramp near the lock and lockhouse. The view of the Potomac was especially picturesque on this autumn day. Ty went in the water and splashed around. That's his favorite thing to do on our excursions.

Lock 29 (Lander) Boat Ramp

Picturesque Potomac

My water-loving dog