These locks are located in Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park, owned and maintained by Loudoun County, Virginia. The park is open to the public, contrary to previous reviews, and is accessible via Kephart Bridge Landing or the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which runs within feet of the locks. (Access is not permitted through the adjoining private golf course, that is true.)These final two locks on the Goose Creek and Little River Navigation Companys canal system were intended to lower canal boats the final stage of the Goose Creek to the level of the Potomac River. Boats could then cross the Potomac and enter the C & O Canal via the already existing Goose Creek River locks below Edwards Ferry on the Maryland shoreline. The Goose Creek canal system when completed in 1854 utilized 11 locks, most of which are jumbled ruins today.The hike to the locks is along a level path through the forested riverbank. It is not strenuous, but is often muddy.

Two parallel stone walls, just a couple dozen yards in length, evoke a time in US history when westward expansion only seemed possible by taming the wild waters of America’s rivers into canals and waterways. This period didn’t last long; the advent of the railroad rendered canals obsolete, and most never realized their envisaged potential. Nevertheless, these “ruins” remind us that the civilization of the New World, though not ancient by comparison, had many false starts before the full force of suburban development devoured the very landscape that daunted the travelers between these walls 200 years ago.

WARNING! Its a private park. There no access for the general public.I cant give a rating since we werent able to see it.

Really pretty canal, perfect for hiking and canoeing.

If youre into historical structures and hiking along waterways this is the place for you.