The Paw Paw Tunnel, located less than a mile from the Town of Paw Paw lies along the notorious bends of the Potomac River that confounded George Washington’s plans to move trade and settlement west along the river. Washington’s Potowmack Company ultimately failed and its assets were eventually turned over to the C&O Canal Company.

in 1836 the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company began work on a 3118-foot long tunnel through Sorrell Ridge to eliminate several miles of river bends; however, work ceased from 1841 to 1847 due to cost overruns and engineering issues.  Work began anew in 1848 and was eventually competed in 1850, 14 years behind schedule and at a cost nearly 20 times the original $33,500 estimate (or nearly $28 million in 2025 dollars).  

Named the Paw Paw Tunnel, it was dubbed by American promoters as a wonder of the world. At 24 feet high, it is the largest manmade structure on the C&O Canal and is lined with more than six million bricks. 

Construction of the tunnel was a horror of black powder blasting and hand-dug slag that ate up men, managers and money. By the time it finally opened in 1850, the railroad had arrived and rendered the canal obsolete.  Canal boats, pulled by mules continued to transport primarily coal up until 1924 when a disastrous flood rendered the canal impassable leading the canal’s largest shareholder, the B&O Railroad, to decide to cease operations on the canal.

Today, part of the C&O Canal National Historic Park, the restored canal towpath leads from a small park along the road to the gaping mouth of the dry tunnel. Walkers and cyclists are welcome year ‘round. National Park rangers lead guided tours on weekends in summer.

October 10^th, 2025 marked the 175^th anniversary of the completion and first watering of the canal. 

If you go: Located within Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, across Potomac River from Paw Paw, WV on Maryland 51. Open to the public, Footwear for uneven terrain and flashlight recommended; Hours of Operation and more: 301-739-4200  • www.nps.gov