Pearre/Sideling Lock

November 11, 2024 -- The first time Ty and I set out to visit Lockhouse and Lock 56, Google maps directed me to Lockhouse 56 Road in Falling Waters, West Virginia. That was about 50 minutes away from Lock 56. It was late in the day, so we went to Cushwa Basin instead. Ty didn't mind. It's one of his favorite places to walk.

A few days later, I made sure that Google maps was pointed towards the right place. Many of the locks and lockhouses on the C&O Canal are in the middle of nowhere, since most of the canal towns disappeared after the canal closed (in 1924). Lock 56 at mile marker 136.2 is no exception. The turn-off to get to the lock is just past Hancock (heading west). When you get off Interstate 68, the final 10 miles are very scenic and mountainous. 

Ty in front of the lockhouse

Lock and Lockhouse 56

Where the lock and lockhouse were, there was a house and canoe/kayak rental place. No people. In fact, we didn't pass any other cars once we got onto Pearre Road. I had also want to visit the nearby Sideling Hill Aqueduct, but there weren't any signs indicating where it was and I didn't want to venture too far from my car. Ty agreed. Might be some crazy MAGA followers lurking nearby.

Made from wood

Lock 56 lock is known as the Pearre/Sideling lock. They started building it in 1837 but didn't finish until 1849 due to lack of funds and abandoned contracts. The lock has a 7.7 foot lift and is accompanied by a bypass flume that allowed water to bypass the lock to water the level below. On the other side of the towpath is a two-and-a-half story frame lockhouse. Like the other lockhouses at the far western end of the C&O Canal, Lockhouse 56 is made of wood. The two-story building is not open to the public. It just sits there as a reminder to the past. 

Ty near the Potomac

Calm waters