| Canoeing and Kayaking | |
|---|---|
| Location | Potomac River Oldtown to Paw Paw Allegany County |
| Launch Site/Directions | Oldtown, Maryland From I-68 in Cumberland, take the Industrial Boulevard Exit 43 B. Follow Industrial Boulevard to Route 51 south. Continue approximately 14 miles to Oldtown, Maryland. Turn right onto Main Street. Turn right onto Green Spring Road. Cross over the canal and stop at the tollbooth. Tell the attendant that you are launching a boat not crossing the bridge. Drop off your boat to the left of the bridge to launch. Then park back at the C&O Canal parking area. |
| Takeout Site/Directions | Paw Paw, West Virginia From I-68 in Cumberland, take the Industrial Boulevard Exit 43B. Follow Industrial Boulevard to Route 51 south. Continue approximately 26 miles to Paw Paw, West Virginia. Make the first left after crossing the bridge to the boat ramp. |
| River Trip Distance | 10.9 miles |
| Time | 3.5 hours |
| Water Conditions | Class I |
| Skill Level | Novice |
| Suitable For Families? | Yes (with older children able to paddle) |
| Hazards/Restrictions | All paddlers should understand that river conditions vary depending on weather conditions and caution should always be exercised. PFD's are required from November 15 through March 15 and paddlers are encouraged to wear them at all times. Prior to beginning a trip call for river conditions at 703-260-0305. |
| Potable Water | All water should be treated or filtered |
| Natural Features | Scenic Potomac River -- Floodplain shoreline rich and abundant in wildlife, including beavers, colorful wood ducks, great blue herons, red-tailed hawks, ospreys, and occasionally bald eagles. |
| Historic/Cultural Features | Paddlers will parallel the historic C&O Canal, pass under five railroad bridges and may choose to take the opportunity to hike the Paw Paw Tunnel. While paddling on this section of the Potomac River visitors can visualize the important role this river played in history. It served as the main source of transportation prior to the automobile. The Native American's very existence was dependent on this river. They drank its water, fished it for food and used it to guide them from one hunting ground to another. |
| Canoe Rentals/Service | Allegany Expeditions, 301-722-5170 Adventure Sports, 301-689-0345 |
| Camping | Primitive camping available at Green Ridge State Forest, 301-478-3125 Improved camping available at Rocky Gap State Park, 301-777-2139 or 1-888-432-2267 Primitive camping available at National Park Service, 301-739-4200 |
| Other Points of Interest | The C&O Canal is a 184.5 mile towpath that runs along the Potomac River. |
| Other Accommodations | Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort, 800-724-0828 Town Hill Hotel Bed and Breakfast, 301-478-2794 Rocky Gap State Park chalet and mini cabins, 301-777-2139 |
| Fees or Permits | Camping service charge Camping permit required |
| Description | This is a relaxing river trip that has several small ripples and rapid areas that give an added element of excitement. The adventurer that chooses this trip will pass through scenic areas of rock outcroppings and sheer rock cliffs. Along the trip guests can stop at one of the hiker/biker stops. |
ResourcesRecommended Gear and Safety Tips
- C&O Canal Companion (Mike High)
- Land of the Living - History Green Ridge State Forest and Eastern Allegany County (John Mash)
- Chesapeake and Ohio Canal: A Guide to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Maryland, District of Columbia and West Virginia (National Park Service)
- Maryland and Delaware Canoe Trails (Edward Gertler)
- Rocky Gap State Park homepage
- Spare paddles
- Knee pads
- Hat
- Water