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C&O Canal Lock 75 Motorcycle Stop – North Branch Lockhouse Guide

Motorcycle ride to Lock 75 on the C&O Canal

This post is another installment in my Chesapeake & Ohio Canal motorcycle tour, where my goal is to visit every motorcycle‑accessible stop along the 184‑mile C&O Canal, stretching from Washington, DC to New Cumberland, Maryland.

Location:

North Branch Lock 75 C&O Canal

Mile Marker:

175.7

Historical Comments:

Lock 75 is the final lock on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. While it carries the number 75, there were only 74 locks actually built. The unusual numbering comes from construction changes downstream from the Paw Paw Tunnel, where four locks were planned but only three were needed, resulting in Lock 65 being skipped entirely.

The lock was rebuilt in 1869, and new downstream gates were installed in the 1990s.

The original Lockhouse 75 was consumed by beetles, and this version is built on the original foundation.

Ride to the Site: The North Branch Lock 75 site sits off the main road, so riders should pay close attention to posted park signs to avoid missing the turnoff. The approach is straightforward and suitable for street motorcycles.

Amenities:

When we visited there were portable toilets and a couple picnic tables.

Road Conditions (from main road):

Paved all the way to the parking lot.

Railway Situation:

There are no railway crossings to navigate.

Parking Lot Conditions:

Small gravel heavily packed.

Main Attractions:

The main attractions include Lock 75 and the lockhouse tours, when available.

My Thoughts:

Lock 75 makes a great destination stop for riders traveling to western Maryland or completing a C&O Canal route ride. With light traffic, historical depth, and minimal crowds, it’s an easy stop that rewards riders interested in history without requiring off‑road riding.

The C&O Canal is a Maryland and in particular western Maryland, history ride for motorcyclist.

Lock 75 Coordinates

Latitude: 39.58716° N
Longitude: -78.74091° W

A few other stops from my Chesapeake & Ohio Canal motorcycle tour include:

Ferry Hill Plantation Williamsport/Cushwa Basin

Hancock Visitors Center Dam #5

Ferry Hill Plantation: C&O Canal Motorcycle Ride

Posted: August 24, 2018 in C&O Canal, Motorcycle, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring
Tags: C&O Canal, C&O canal motorcycle ride, Ferry hill plantation, Maryland, Maryland tourism, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding in marland, motorcycle touring

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Location – Ferry Hill Plantation

Mile Mark – 72 (as it is not on the tow path it does not seem to have an actual mile marker)

Historical Comment – A 19th Century Plantation Ferry Hill overlooks the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. Prior to the civil war the slaves of this plantation were some of those that John Brown hoped to inspire to revolt when he attacked the Harpers Ferry Arsenal. This was the home of an officer in Stonewall Jackson’s army and was used during the Civil war by both sides to secure the river. The plantation is only a short distance from Antietam, the bloodiest battle in American History. Currently operating as a Visitor’s Center and as a Headquarters for the C&O Canal National Park Service.

Ride to the Site – Very easy. Directly of the main road.

Amenities – Restrooms and picnic area.

Road Conditions (from main road) – Paved

Railway Situation – no railroad tracks or crossing.

Parking Lot Condition – Mix of paved and gravel with about 20 parking spots.

Main Attraction – The visitor’s center and the view of the river, and Shepherdstown, WV.

My Thoughts – Interesting stop when you put it into historical context. Hundreds of slaves were used to farm the 700+ acre farm, who were targets of John Browns raid and the Civil War.