April 23: Before calling our contracts in the NHP to give them a nudge, we looked at their public website on - and found that they have rewatered our favorite stretch. Not just the return paddle from Blockhouse Point back to Violettes Lock, but also the whole stretch back down past Pennyfield and Swains Locks to Great Falls.
These latter two levels are rarely up, and particularly that between Pennyfield and Swains where usually there are a pair of pesky side-deltas. So if you're feeling adventurous, be willing to exit your paddlecraft around MP 19, as I recall the place.
The Great Falls - Swains Level is part of the mild Potomac - Swains Loop.pdf allowing you to descend the Po from Swains in MD or Riverbend Park in VA, doing the upstream leg in the newly refilled Canal. Careful while ending the downstream run in the Po that you stay clear of the 10-foot Aqueduct Dam - esp when the river is high (4 ft up).
From C&O Canal Conditions (on the CCA Homepage)
Current Status Between Locks 19-20: Watered
Current Status Between Locks 20-21: Watered
Current Status Between Locks 21-22: Watered
Current Status Between Locks 22-23: Watered