59° · Mostly clear nowSun on your face. That's the whole plan.
ParkThe Palisades
Carderock Recreation Area
- 4.6267 reviews
- Free
- Open now · till 7:30 pm
C&O Canal National Historical Park area in Maryland with Potomac cliffs for top-rope climbing, canal towpath, trails and picnic pavilions.
Quick answers
Carderock Recreation Area in short
When is Carderock Recreation Area open?
Every day, 6 AM–7:30 PM. Hours checked on 4 November 2026.
When is the best time to visit Carderock Recreation Area?
It's at its best mornings and afternoons. Go in daylight. Wedar also scores every hour of the next five days against the forecast; see the best time on this page.
Is Carderock Recreation Area indoors or outdoors?
Outdoors: best on a dry day.
Is Carderock Recreation Area good for kids?
Yes, it welcomes children.
How much does Carderock Recreation Area cost?
It's free to visit.
Do you need to book Carderock Recreation Area?
No, you can walk in.
More questions (3)Fewer questions
How long do you need at Carderock Recreation Area?
About 2 hours.
Where is Carderock Recreation Area?
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, Potomac, MD 20854.
Is Carderock Recreation Area wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible parking.
Status, rating and hours checked on 4 November 2026; kids, cost, booking and setting verified by the Wedar team. Where our data comes from
Right now · 11:30 am
Why it fits right now
A great call right now.
This is its best hour in the next five days.
In its favour
- Sun's out
- Open till 7:30 pm
- Outdoors
59°
Mostly clear
- Feels
- 51°
- Rain
- 0%
- Wind
- 14mph
- 12pm
60° - 1pm61°
- 2pm61°
The next five days
Best time to go
When your plans and the weather actually get along. Scored on the forecast, its opening hours and when it's at its best. Tap a time to see it.
Before you go
Plan your visit
Hours
Open now · till 7:30 pmmonday6 AM–7:30 PM
All hoursFewer hours
- mondayToday
- 6 AM–7:30 PM
- tuesday
- 6 AM–7:30 PM
- wednesday
- 6 AM–7:30 PM
- thursday
- 6 AM–7:30 PM
- friday
- 6 AM–7:30 PM
- saturday
- 6 AM–7:30 PM
- sunday
- 6 AM–7:30 PM
Hours checked 4 Nov
Where and how
- 1 Carderock Recreation Area
- 2 Billy Goat Trail Section C · 2 min
- 3 Scott's Run Falls · 8 min
- 4 Scott’s Run Nature Preserve · 18 min
Good to know
- Outdoors
- Free to visit
- Walk-ins welcome
- Allow about 2 h
- A walk
- Step-free entrance
From visitors and the venue
What it's like
4.6from 267 reviews
Known for
- Rock climbing
- Towpath
- Picnic tables
- Potomac views
What people say
- People like:
- Picnic areas, climbing rocks and river views
Around The Palisades
Nearby
Within about a 15-minute walk.
For the next three hours
What to wear to go there now
Leave with a jacket. Sunglasses all day.
JacketThe whole time
SunglassesThe whole time