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Canoeing, Kayaking and Water Trails

Maryland's state forests and parks offer paddling opportunities for canoeists and kayakers of all skill levels - from flatwater excursions for novice paddlers, to guided birdwatching, historical and cultural adventures along intricate waterways. Paddling opportunities are separated by regions in Maryland. In addition mapped water trails are noted below.

[Kayaker skimming the shore line of the park]In addition to offering paddling access, several of these state forests and parks supply equipment rental. Always contact the facility you wish to visit beforehand to assess conditions. For guided paddling adventures, see the Outfitters and Guides section of this website.

Water Trails

The Maryland Water Trails and Public Access Program offers information about water trails and public waterway access sites that provide recreational boating opportunities for all to enjoy. To learn more visit the Maryland Water Trails Page
  • Fishing Bay Water Trail. The Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area (WMA), the largest parcel of publicly owned tidal wetlands in Maryland, is situated adjacent to the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on the lower Eastern Shore. Fishing Bay's 28,500 acres offer boaters and paddlers a remote wilderness experience. Miles of meandering creeks, marsh grass habitats, secluded ponds and islands of loblolly pine have inspired some to refer to Fishing Bay as Maryland's Everglades.
     
  • Big Gunpowder Falls. The Big Gunpowder Falls in the Hereford Area of Gunpowder Falls State Park is a nationally renowned blue-ribbon trout stream. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources manages the river from Prettyboy Dam to Blue Mount Road as a special trout management area for catch and release with artificial lures only. Coldwater releases from Prettyboy Dam enable brown trout to reproduce naturally in this tailwater fishery. Other species include brook and rainbow trout, and smaller feeding fish, such as creek chub, common shiner, white sucker, northern hog sucker, mottled sculpin and American eel.
     
  • Janes Island Water Trail. If you are looking for a few hours of tranquil canoeing in a natural paradise with few signs of civilization, you'll find it at Janes Island State Park. The approximately 2,900 acres of marsh, beach and high land offers paddlers an outdoor adventure through small waterways within the island. Most of the waterways on the six marked trails are protected from wind and current providing ideal conditions for the novice as well as the experienced canoeist.
     
  • Patuxent River Water Trail. This self-guided adventure for the ambitious paddler provides an historical perspective of how blacks persevered and maintained their culture in the face of adversity.
     
  • Patuxent River Paddling Trail. The Patuxent River Commission is in the early stages of working with others to create a paddling trail in the Patuxent Watershed. The Commission's website offers maps of launching sites for canoes and kayaks, as well as additional information on these launch sites and area amenities.
     
  • Patuxent Estuarine Ecosystem Map. This map for canoeing, kayaking, nature study, hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, orienteering and environmental and historical research includes 48 miles of navigable tidal waterways in southern Maryland, from Hills Bridge (Rt. 4) to Hall Creek. Copies of the map can be purchased for $3 by contacting Patuxent River County Park.
     
  • Upper Potomac River Water Trail Map Set Order Form. (Adobe Acrobat file) Upper Potomac River Water Trail Map Set is a five map set that covers approximately 115 miles of the Potomac River and C&O Canal from Shepherdstown, West Virginia, upriver to Potomac Park, outside Cumberland, Maryland. Restrooms, boating facilities, historical interest, overnight accommodations, camping and food service are included on each map. This map set can be purchased online with a credit card. Please click here to place your order online for the Upper Potomac River Water Trail Map Set. Please click here to fill out an order form to purchase the map set with a check or money order.
     
  • Lower Potomac River Water Trail Map Set Order Form. The Lower Potomac River Water Trail Map Set is a six map set that highlights access points along the southern reaches of the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. to the Chesapeake Bay in both Maryland and Virginia. Restrooms, boating facilities, historical interest, overnight accommodations, camping and food service are included on each map. This map is free of charge, to learn more click here.
     
  • Tuckahoe Creek Water Trail. This water trail within Tuckahoe State Park begins at the spillway of Tuckahoe Lake and heads downstream to Hillsboro. Launch your canoe or kayak just below the Crouse Mill Road Bridge. Parking is available nearby. Also try the park's Mason Branch Water Trail, and paddle through the flooded woodland above the lake.
     
  • Worcester County Canoe and Kayak Trails. The Worcester County Office of Tourism's website offers self-guided paddling opportunities on the lower Eastern Shore. Local canoe and kayak rentals and portage services are also listed on their website.

    To learn more about water trails in Maryland please visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Water Trails page. 

Canoeing and Kayaking in Southern Maryland State Parks

Canoeing and Kayaking in Eastern Maryland State Parks

Canoeing and Kayaking in Central Maryland State Parks

Canoeing and Kayaking in Western Maryland State Parks

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