Paw Paw is located 25 miles west of Berkeley Springs on Route 9 and is the western most entry to the Washington Heritage Trail.  The population was 524 at the 2000 census. The town is known for the nearby Paw Paw tunnel.  It was incorporated on April 8, 1891 and named for the paw paw, a wild fruit which formerly grew in abundance throughout this region.  

The Paw Paw Tunnel is a 3,118 foot long canal tunnel on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which runs along the Maryland side of the Potomac River.  Built in the mid-1800's, it remains one of the world's longest canal tunnels and was one of the greatest engineering feats of its day.

The town of Paw Paw offers visitors lodging, campsites along the river, boat ramp, food and car services.