What Makes it Great

With plenty of history and eye-catching views, the trip from Rockside Station to Frazee House takes you from the city clamor into the peace of nature and antiquity. Along the route, your panorama is peppered with locks—including Lock 38, the only operational lock in CVNP that was restored in 1992 to its early 20th century condition. The Tinkers Creek Aqueduct is another point of interest, having been reconstructed a few short years ago. Travelers on the path can learn all about the history at the Canal Exploration Center, also known as the Locktender’s House, where the history of the area is brought to life. Further south, a working floodgate drains excess water from the canal. You’ll spy the Wilson Feed Mill and the red-bricked Stephen Frazee House, which built around 1825 in Federal architecture style. All can be taken in with relative ease through this leg’s 20-foot elevation change and fairly smooth course. This is certainly a beautiful trail through changes of seasons, a marriage of countryside and olden times.