The C&O Canal National Historical Park’s Law Enforcement Division is seeking information on a missing hiker on the C&O Canal’s towpath. Ritchard Temple began hiking the towpath from the Harper’s Ferry area and travelled west to the canal’s terminus in Cumberland, MD. Mr. Temple is believed to have begun hiking back to Harper’s Ferry from Cumberland on the towpath when all communications with him were lost.
It is believed the location during his last known communications with family was in the Town Creek area of the park on July 25, 2015. Town Creek is approximately five miles east of the town of Oldtown, MD in Allegany County. Mr. Temple may have camped at the park’s Town Creek hiker/biker campsite.
Mr. Temple is a white male in his early 50’s, approximately 6’0” tall and 200 lbs., blue eyes, blond/gray hair and wears glasses. Due to illness, he walks with a limp and requires a cane or walking stick to assist him while walking. Mr. Temple also has limited use of his right arm.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ritchard Temple or who may have had any communications with him along the trail are asked to contact the National Park Service’s communication center at 301-714-2235.
