Chesapeake Water Trails

Tracing 3,000 miles and 15,000 years of culture and history, the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail is the ultimate way to experience the bay. Named for the first European to explore the Chesapeake Bay, and a living tribute to the indigineous peoples of Maryland, this one-of-a-kind adventure promises the experience of a lifetime. Explore by powerboat or sail, or chunk it up for a lifetime’s worth of paddling adventures. However you hit the water, you will never forget your time on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

Perfect for paddlers of every skill level, there’s so much Eastern Shore adventure to choose from at Janes Island State Park. Seven marked trails cover more than 30 magical miles, all beginning at the park’s marina and boat launch. Experience this saltmarsh ecosystem up close with routes along Tangier Sound, the Big and Little Annemessex Rivers, and more!

Looking to test your paddling mettle? The Transquaking River Loop and Island Creek Trails aren’t marked, and you may not see another soul on your journey, adding a sense of adventure for paddlers willing, able and equipped to travel by map. And the rewards are great! Kayak through iconic Eastern Shore-scapes of idyllic creeks, marsh habitat, secluded ponds, and islands of loblolly pine.

Running the 64-mile length of the meandering Nanticoke River, with easy access at more than 25 public launches, boat ramps, and piers, the Nanticoke River Water Trail is a unique escape. Home of the largest concentration of bald eagles in the North East, marvel at these mighty raptors soaring above, and use the trail to visit towns along the way with museums, dining, and even shopping adventures. Find out more at paddlethenanticoke.com or get the map at the Dorchester County Visitor Center and through the link to the DNR Outdoor Store.

The Blackwater is simply a must experience for any lover of the outdoors. Open vistas, winding marshes, and remarkable wildlife viewing at the heart of the Great Atlantic Flyway have earned The Blackwater its nickname, “The Everglades of the North.” Beginners are invited to the Green Trail, with the Purple Trail fit for more seasoned paddlers and, as always, check ahead for weather and other advisories, but do not miss this truly special place.

Iconic Smith Island, a watermen community in the heart of the Chesapeake, reachable only by boat, also offers unparalleled paddling adventures. Seven marked trails vary in length from 1 to 4.4 miles. The water trails explore the island’s 8,000 acres of marsh and access the island’s three villages. For the experienced paddler with the right boat, explore vast expanses of open bay and bring home memories that will last a lifetime.

Three trails explore this remarkable place, part of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, set within the idyllic Deal Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The WMA is more than 13,000 acres of tidal marsh, peaceful forested wetlands, thrilling open water, and a 2,800-acre man-made pond. Monie Bay offers amazing wildlife viewing, along with fishing, hunting, hiking and paddling adventures for every skill level.

Just on the eastern side of the Bay Bridge you’ll find six varied water trails exploring historic Kent Island. Choose a secluded, sheltered trail, or set your paddle to the big waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Chester River, Eastern Bay, and Prospect Bay.

Five mapped trails range from an easy mile to a more ambitious 5.2 miles in length. GPS points guide your way through the heart of the shore. See amazing wildlife including vast flocks of migrating ducks and geese, majestic eagles, and find excellent fishing along the way. Get the map from the Talbot County Office of Tourism in Easton.

Centreville was once the launch site for grains that were shipped to feed George Washington’s armies during the Revolutionary War. Today, the Centreville Wharf and Centreville Landing mark the starting points for four water trails. The Mill Stream and Yellow Bank Stream trails pass through calm, low marshes and make for peaceful easy paddling, while the Alder Branch Trail heads out into the main waters of the Corsica River with its stronger currents and open stretches.

 Paddle out from the Federalsburg Canoe and Kayak Launch, the site of the Annual Frog Fest, which is celebrated on the last Saturday in June. Surrounded by small town charm and more than 3,000 acres of wildlife preserve, it’s the perfect spot to launch a serene river paddle.

Ten miles long and circumnavigating the island wildlife refuge, Eastern Neck is home to diamondback terrapins, great flocks of migrating waterfowl, and the ever present osprey and herons that dot the sky. Beginning in the relative shelter of the Chester River, this trail can carry adventurers out into the main waters of the Chesapeake Bay. The Eastern Neck Island Water Trail is not for novices, but is frankly stunning, and for the most athletic, it comes with the satisfaction of making the trip all the way around the island.

You can rent a kayak right at the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC) and head out onto their three amazing water trails, ranging from just a mile to 2.8 miles. Paddle through marshy wetlands and tree-lined woodland habitats. CBEC was founded by The Wildfowl Trust of North America and is a great spot to see eagles overhead. 

The beautiful Patuxent River flows more than 100 miles with dozens of launches along its luxuriating banks, inviting day paddlers to pick a portion, or true adventurers to plan a canoe-camping getaway. Highlights include the picturesque Jug Bay Natural Area, Sotterley Plantation, and the famous Calvert Marine Museum.

The Mighty Potomac, flowing through the cradle of our history, is a dedicated American Heritage River and a National Recreational Trail. With stunning spots along the way, from the happening shores of National Harbor to the quiet waters of Mallows Bay National Marine Sanctuary with its famous ship graveyard, and on to the mouth of the great Chesapeake Bay, there are endless opportunities for paddling adventure along its length.

This trail combines sheltered water on the Mattawoman that is perfect for new paddlers with a loop out into the Potomac for those ready for adventure. Explore the beautiful forested shores of the Mattawoman Natural Environment Area for incredible birding, and see the legendary ospreys of Smallwood State Park.

Part of the larger Potomac River Water Trail, which runs from the Nation’s Capital to the Chesapeake, the Lower Potomac Trail is truly unique. Put in at Nanjemoy Wildlife Management Area and paddle up river to famous Mallows Bay National Marine Sanctuary, home of the largest ghost fleet of ships in the Western Hemisphere. Paddle among the hulls of mighty ships as they are reclaimed by the woods and wetlands of the river.

Explore rolling southern Maryland farm land and lush marsh ecosystems along Church Creek and Nanjemoy Creek. See marsh flowers in bloom, enjoy the amazing fishing, and even camp along this sheltered trail.

Set out from the charming colonial town of Port Tobacco for a serene paddling excursion. Explore the shoreline of Chapel Point State Park, and even pitch a tent at Goose Bay Marina and Campground right along the banks. Find it all here.

The mighty Potomac River and the great Chesapeake Bay meet at Point Lookout. This remarkable wildlife and recreation spot offers majestic views and intriguing history as the site of a Civil War prison camp. Three water trails, each about three miles in length, offer paddling excursions, ranging from just an hour or so to a full weekend with overnight camping in the park. Pick up a guide at the Point Lookout State Park Visitor Center.

St. Mary’s County is truly a paddler’s paradise with six trails to choose from. Explore the waters around Historic St. Mary’s City, Maryland’s colonial founding place. Set out from Port of Leonardtown, a hip Arts & Entertainment District offering outdoor concerts, art galleries, special events and wineries. Find out about the lighthouses, museums, and more that you’ll discover in this great collection of water trails.