Fletchers Boat House is a bike and boat rental facility located on the Potomac River and the C&O Canal National Historical Park, between Chain and Key Bridges, just minutes from downtown Washington, DC. The area is great for biking, boating, fishing, and picnicking.
History of the Fletchers Boat House
Fletchers Boat House has been at this location since the 1850s. Nearby Abner Cloud House is the oldest building on the canal, dating back to 1802. After 145 years of activity, the fourth generation of Fletchers retired in 2004 and Guest Services Incorporated, a concessionaire of the National Park Service, assumed responsibility for the operation of the concessions. The area around the boathouse was officially called Fletchers Cove, although most people still call it Fletcher’s Boat House.
The Fletchers location is unique in that the Capital Crescent Trail and the C&O Towpath meet here and run parallel to each other. The Capital Crescent Trail is a 13-mile trail that runs from Georgetown to Silver Spring, Maryland. The C&O Towpath follows the Potomac River 184 miles between Georgetown and Cumberland, Maryland. The picnic area is also located between the Potomac River and the C&O canal, offering extraordinary views.
Rates, driving directions and parking
Fletchers Boat House is located 2 miles north of Key Bridge and 1 mile south of Chain Bridge, at the intersection of Reservoir Road and Canal Road.
From 495, take the Glen Echo exit onto Clara Barton Parkway. Follow Clara Barton Parkway until it becomes Canal Road. Continue on Canal Road to the Fletchers entrance at Canal and Reservoir. Fletchers is on the right hand side of the road and you will see Abner Cloud House, an old stone building next to the canal. The entrance has a 180 degree turn and there is not enough room to maneuver.
You cannot access the area to the south on Canal Road. From this direction, you will have to pass the entrance and make a U-turn.
From 66 East, take the Rosslyn exit to Key Bridge. Turn left on Canal Road after crossing Key Bridge. Bear left for Foxhall to stay on Canal Road and continue to the Fletchers entrance to Canal and Reservoir. The entrance is on the left and you will see Abner Cloud House, an old stone building next to the canal.
Parking is available on both sides of the canal. To get to the west side parking lot, go through the automatic tunnel, which takes you under the canal.
Fishing license: $ 10 (DC residents) $ 13 (non-residents)
Kayak / canoe rental: $ 13-15 / hour $ 31-52 / day
Rowboat rental: $ 15 / hour $ 26 / day
Bike rental: $ 9 / hour $ 31 / day
