Mile: 3 - 4

Abner Cloud HouseFletcher's Boathouse at Mile 3.1 is one of best access points for birding the canal in the District. The parking and picnic area is at 4940 Canal Road NW.

What to see: Many species, including wood ducks, woodpeckers, and songbirds, breed in this area of the canal. Check the trees at Fletcher's Boathouse for nesting orioles and warbling vireos. Prothonotary and yellow-throated warblers breed in swampy woods along the towpath east and west of the boathouse. In winter, mergansers and other diving ducks may be seen on the river.

By public transportation: The closest is to take the D3, D5, or D6 bus to the intersection of MacArthur Boulevard and Reservoir Road. Walk down Reservoir Road and VERY carefully cross Canal Road to Fletcher's Boathouse. From the boathouse, you can walk a mile north to the Chain Bridge or three miles back into Georgetown.