Lock 22

Lock 22 is a stone chamber lock on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal built from sandstone blocks. It allowed boats to navigate elevation changes and was part of a system of approximately 74 locks along the entire canal.

The lock was built in the 1830s as part of the canal project to transport coal and grain by water. It remained in operation until 1924, when it was abandoned as railroad traffic made canal commerce obsolete.

The lockhouse beside the structure shows how workers and their families lived during the canal's operation. Visitors can see the simple rooms today and understand how basic and confined daily life was at this location.

The site is accessible via River Road, with parking options nearby and a well-maintained walking path along the canal line. The best time to visit is spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the grounds remain dry.

The lock sits at a higher elevation than many others and offers views across the valley and surrounding forests. This elevated position made the construction and operation particularly challenging for the engineers of that era.

Location: Montgomery County

Elevation above the sea: 53 m

Made from material: sandstone

GPS coordinates: 39.05361,-77.28889

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:02