Western Maryland
Youghiogheny River and Potomac River, Upper Branch – Rugged white-water rafting. Frequent drops of more than 100 feet per mile. Guided half-day or full-day trips. Calmer float trips on Potomac below Cumberland. Paddle-in campsites at Green Ridge State Forest.
Savage River Reservoir – Flat-water paddling and fishing amid mountain scenery. Boat rentals at New Germany State Park.
Adventure Sports Center International – An artificial whitewater course with guided rafting runs and self-guided inflatable kayaking..
Capital Region
Monocacy River – More than 50 miles of easy paddling. Native American fish catchments and a Civil War site. Easy access at the Monocacy Aqueduct.
Central Maryland
Susquehanna River – Kayaking from Susquehanna State Park to the head of the Chesapeake Bay in Havre de Grace. One mile wide in some points. Swift spots closer to the bay. Picnicking on Wood Island.
Prettyboy Reservoir – Advanced white-water paddling. Boulder gardens, broken ledges and tight chutes.
Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Area – Narrow coves for convenient and leisurely paddling. Equipment rentals on-site.
Southern Maryland
Lower Patuxent River – African-American heritage sites. Canoe rentals at Patuxent River Park. Paddle-in campsites at state park.
Capt. John Smith National Historic Trail – America’s first all-water national historic trail. The 3,000-mile route incorporates Potomac River trails south of Washington, D.C.
Eastern Shore
Chincoteague Bay & Sinepuxent Bay – Canoe rentals on Assateague Island. Fifteen-mile Chincoteague trail links two landings where kiosks detail regional history and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Sinepuxent Trail has Maryland’s only ocean kayaking. Paddle-in campsites. Visit in spring and autumn to avoid crowds (and insects).
Adventure Extra
“Maryland’s Everglades,” also known as Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area attracts scores of paddlers to its salt marshes, ponds and islands of loblolly pines. But the American Canoe Association has listed another Eastern Shore location, Janes Island State Park , as one of the “12 recommended water trails nationwide.” Canoes and kayaks can be rented inside the park. Back-country camping platforms keep you close to the action. Spring and autumn birding opportunities add to the experience.
Paddling Resources