C&O Canal becomes frozen playground for residents, hockey players

WASHINGTON — The wind chill and bitterly cold temperatures didn’t stop D.C.-area residents from venturing out onto the frozen C&O Canal near Chain Bridge, and some even brought hockey equipment Friday afternoon.

“I wanted to bring my kids down and see the frozen solid canal and it is frozen solid! As am I!” said D.C. native Elizabeth Winston, who walked around without skates.

While ice skating is allowed, park staff does not monitor ice conditions, so the National Park Service has advised visitors to be extra cautious and never skate alone.

That wasn’t a problem for these young hockey players, who fearlessly sped around the ice despite the frigid weather.