Join JP Miller and Kris Phillips for a bird walk along the C&O Canal starting and ending at the Paw Paw Tunnel Campground parking.

PVAS Host: Kris Phillips

This event is free and open to the public All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required and limited to 10 people participants. This program has a minimum of 2 participants.

Join JP Miller and Kris Phillips for a bird walk along the C&O Canal starting and ending at the Paw Paw Tunnel Campground Parking. This area is nestled between the Potomac River and Green Ridge State Forest, making it ripe for some great birding. We will look and listen for birds along and in the canal next to the trail. Some species we may observe include Common Mergansers, Wood Ducks, Belted Kingfishers, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Eastern Towhees, and Baltimore Orioles. Anyone with an interest is welcome to come along, regardless of their birding skills.

• Walking Distance: 3 miles – 1.5 miles towards Town Creek then 1.5 miles back to Paw Paw
• Pace/Activities: Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe)
• Exposure: Mixed shade/sun
• Terrain: Asphalt and gravel Little to no elevation change
• Restroom: There is a port-o-pot near the parking lot.
• Parking/Where to Meet: Meet in the Paw Paw Tunnel Campground parking lot at 7:30am. . From the town of Paw Paw, cross the Potomac River and travel approximately 0.5 miles along Rt. 51 (Rt. 9 turns to Rt. 51 once you cross the river) and make a right at the sign for the Paw Paw Tunnel Campground. https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/paw-paw-tunnel.htm
• What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the gravel path. Dress for the weather. Bring water and snacks. Bring a pair of binoculars for better viewing of the birds. Any type of binoculars will help. We will have a couple of pairs of binoculars for people to borrow.

Register Here!

Registration will remain open until the start of the program.

If the required minimum # of people do not register by 4 pm the evening prior, the program will be cancelled.

Read our pricing structure & policies.

About Kris: Kris is a Potomac Valley Master Naturalist and enjoys hiking, birding, gardening and cooking. She never goes outside without her binoculars.

About JP: JP enjoys birding wherever he finds himself. He advocates for awareness and stewardship of the natural world everywhere he goes.