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Big Pool
Canal Access Point
A 1.5 mile long, 92-acre lake is part of the canal, with water from Mile 112 to Mile 113. It was created by using a natural ridge and building canal walls at the ends, rather than excavating for canal construction. It is now popular for angling and boating. Big Pool is a natural depression that was filled with water when the C & O Canal was created. Big Pool provides excellent opportunities for both the angler and boater. Gas motors are prohibited on Big Pool. A boat ramp provides access for canoes and other boats. Big Pool is primarily a warm water fishery, offering good fishing for species such as largemouth bass, catfish, carp, bluegill, and many others.
Big Pool Lake is part of Maryland's Fort Frederick State Park. At the upper end of Big Pool is the trail head for the Western Maryland Rail Trail, a 28-mile paved trail from here along the Potomac to Little Orleans, Md. Near here is the bridge that connected the Western Maryland Railway with the main line of the B&O Railroad.
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Contact Information
C&O Canal National Historial Park
142 W. Potomac St. Suite 100
Williamsport MD 21795
301-739-4200
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