Statewide Water Trail and Access
Guide to Maryland Boat Ramps and Piers - This map which shows
existing ramps and piers across Maryland. The map is no longer available in hard copy, but the information can be viewed or downloaded by visiting the
Online Boating Access Guide at http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/fish/state2.html.
Chesapeake Bay Public Access Guide 2000- Produced through the Chesapeake Bay Program, this
full-color, fold-out map details access points to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for
the entire watershed (Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia). To get your free copy send an e-mail to
lgutierrez@dnr.state.md.us care of the Maryland Water Trails Program. Please write "map request" In the subject line of your e-mail.
Western Maryland
North Branch Potomac River Water Trail
(Location - Allegany County) (Status - Existing)
The Potomac River Water Trail North Branch in Allegany County: Westernport, MD to Cumberland, MD is
a three-map set depicting the North Branch of the Potomac River in Western Maryland. This map set covers approximately 32 miles and shows public access sites, facilities, points of interest and historical and cultural information. The maps come in a zip-closure plastic pouch and are
printed on waterproof, tear-proof paper. Developed as a joint project
between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR), the National Park Service,
the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB), and the West Virginia Division
of Natural Resources, the maps highlight access points on both sides of the river and
include information on support facilities such as restrooms, camping and fishing sites, as
well as picnic and parking areas.
Upper Potomac River Water Trail
(Location - Allegany County and Washington County) (Status - Existing)
The Potomac River Water Trail and the C&O Canal: Shepherdstown, WVa. to Potomac Park, MD is
a five-map set that is an invaluable resource to any kayaker, canoeist, boater or outdoor
enthusiast planning a trip along the upper reaches of the Potomac River. The maps are
printed on waterproof, tear-proof paper and cover approximately of 115 miles the Potomac
River corridor between Sharpsburg, MD and Cumberland, MD. Developed as a joint project
between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR), the National Park Service,
the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB), and the West Virginia Division
of Natural Resources, the maps highlight access points on both sides of the river and
include information on support facilities such as restrooms, camping and fishing sites, as
well as picnic and parking areas.
This map set continues and complements information represented on two other Potomac Water
Trail publications: The Potomac River and the C&O Canal: Georgetown to Opequon Creek and The
Potomac River Water Trail: DC to the Chesapeake Bay. Maps can be purchased by filling out the online order form at
www.dnr.state.md.us/greenways/watertrails.html and returning
it with a check or money order for $8.00 made out to: The Maryland Department of Natural
Resources, Boating Services, 580 Taylor Ave., E-4, Annapolis, MD 21401. Maps can also be purchased in person from the Boating Service offices in Annapolis or at the visitor centers of Fort
Frederick State Park, Green Ridge State Forest or Rocky Gap State Park. For more information
contact Maryland DNR Boating Services, Facilities and Access Planning Division or send an e-mail to lgutierrez@dnr.state.md.us.
Middle Potomac River Water Trail
(Location – Frederick, Montgomery, and Washington counties) (Status – Existing)
Information on the Potomac River corridor between Georgetown in Washington, D.C. to just
south of Williamsport, MD can be found on the C&O Canal Strip Maps. Originally produced in
the 1970s, this five-map set provides information on recreational fishing, biking, hiking,
kayaking, canoeing, camping, parking, and the location of public boat launches. Copies are
available from the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) for $6.00. Order
forms are available online by visiting http://www.potomacriver.org/map_order.pdf. For more
information contact the ICPRB at (301) 984-1908. Please note that these maps are not
waterproof.
Updated Middle Potomac River Water Trails
(Location – Frederick and Montgomery counties) (Status – Development Stage)
The Maryland Water Trails program is currently working in partnership with the Potomac
Heritage National Scenic Trail, local governments, the C&O Canal National Historical Park,
the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority
to develop an updated version of the C&O Canal Strip Maps. The updated map set will include
both sides of the Potomac River corridor between Sharpsburg, MD and Washington, D.C. This
map set is scheduled for completion in Spring 2009.
Lower Susquehanna River Water Trail
(Location – Harford and Cecil counties) (Status – Planning Stage)
The Water Trails program is working in partnership with Harford and Cecil
counties and the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway to develop a set of four maps depicting this water trail. The map
will detail access sites and historic, cultural and natural resources along both sides of the Lower Susquehanna River from the Pennsylvania line to Swan Harbor in Harford County and the Mill Creek side of the Perryville Community Park. This map is scheduled for
completion in Spring 2009.
Monocacy River Water Trail
(Location – Frederick County) (Status – Planning Stage)
Community Commons, Inc., a nonprofit watershed organization located in Frederick, MD, is
coordinating work on the Monocacy River Water Trail. This will be a self-guided tour of the
river for canoeists and kayakers from the Monocay Battlefield to the Monocacy Aqueduct in
Maryland. The intent is to provide river travelers with a new perspective on the resources
of the Monocacy that inspires commitment to conservation and restoration. For more
information about Monocacy River Water Trail visit the following website: http://www.communitycommons.org.
Middle Potomac River Water Trail
(Location – Frederick, Montgomery, and Washington counties) (Status – Existing)
Information on the Potomac River corridor between Georgetown in Washington, D.C. to just
south of Williamsport, MD can be found on the C&O Canal Strip Maps. Originally produced in
the 1970s, this five-map set provides information on recreational fishing, biking, hiking,
kayaking, canoeing, camping, parking, and the location of public boat launches. Copies are
available from the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB) for $6.00. Order
forms are available online by visiting http://www.potomacriver.org/map_order.pdf. For more
information contact the ICPRB at (301) 984-1908. Please note that these maps are not
waterproof.
Updated Middle Potomac River Water Trails
(Location – Frederick and Montgomery counties) (Status – Development Stage)
The Maryland Water Trails program is currently working in partnership with the Potomac
Heritage National Scenic Trail, local governments, the C&O Canal National Historical Park,
the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority
to develop an updated version of the C&O Canal Strip Maps. The updated map set will include
both sides of the Potomac River corridor between Sharpsburg, MD and Washington, D.C. This
map set is scheduled for completion in Spring 2009.
Lower Potomac River Water Trail
(Location – Prince George’s, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties) (Status – Existing)
This six-map set was produced through a partnership between the Maryland Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). It
highlights access points along the southern reaches of the river from Washington D.C. to the Chesapeake Bay in both Maryland and Virginia. Information on each access point, including
the availability of restrooms, boating facilities, historical interest, overnight
accommodations, camping and food service are included on each map. The water trail maps also
include GPS (Global Positioning System) information on access sites as well as boating
safety tips and emergency phone numbers. Maps can be purchased in person at the Maryland Boating Service offices in Annapolis, at the visitor centers of Smallwood State Park and
Point Lookout State Park or by filling out an online order form at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/greenways/watertrails.html.
Charles County Water Trails
(Location – Charles County) (Status – Existing)
The Maryland DNR Boating Service, in partnership with the staff of the Charles County Parks Department and Charles County Economic Development and Tourism, developed this water trail map and guide in 2008. The full-color guide features information on local historic, cultural and natural resources and is printed on waterproof, tear-proof paper for durability. The guide depicts four
different water trails including routes along Mattawoman Creek, the Potomac River, Port Tobacco River and Friendship Farm Park on Nanjemoy Creek. This map is available free of charge and may be downloaded from the Charles County Tourism website at www.thenationsbackyard.com, or call 1-800-766-3386 and request a mailed copy. For additional information, contact Donna Dudley with Charles County Economic Development and Tourism at 301-885-1340 or dudleyd@charlescounty.org
Point Lookout Water Trail
(Location – St. Mary’s County) (Status – Existing)
The Maryland Boating Service's Water Trails program, in partnership with the staff of Point Lookout State
Park, developed this site specific water trail map and guide detailing special features and
points of interest on the Point Lookout peninsula. Reprinted in 2007, the fold-out map/guide features three
different water trails that explore the waterways in and around the state park which make up
approximately 10 miles of loop and point-to-point trails. Maps of Point Lookout water trails are available at the Point Lookout State Park visitor center or by contacting the Maryland Boating Service offices in Annapolis. For more information on Point Lookout State Park visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/southern/pointlookout.html.
Kingfisher Canoe Trail
(Location – Prince George’s County)(Status – Existing)
The Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS) is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated
to restoring and protecting the Anacostia River, (designated as one of the nation’s most
polluted), for the health and enjoyment of everyone in its watershed, while in the process,
bringing people from all walks of life together to achieve this mission. Incorporated in
1989, AWS was founded with a vision of this “forgotten river” attaining the status of
swimmable and fishable. To get a hard copy of the brochure
contact the Anacostia Watershed Society c/o The George Washington House, 4302 Baltimore
Avenue, Bladensburg, MD 20710, call (301) 699-6204, or visit http://www.anacostiaws.org.
Patuxent River Water Trail
(Location – Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles & St. Mary’s counties)(Status –
Planning Stage)
The Patuxent River Commission in partnership with the Maryland Department of Planning is in
the early stages of working with others to create a paddling trail in the Patuxent
Watershed. With the wealth of parks, environmental, educational, cultural, research, and
related resources, the Patuxent River (the largest river completely within Maryland) is well
suited for such a trail. The Patxuent’s location in the middle of the State makes in very accessible by most Maryland citizens. Given the Patuxent’s role as the proving ground for
many of the Chesapeake Bay Program’s initiatives, it is very fitting that the Comission work
to establish a paddling trail in the Watershed. A draft map of the Patuxent River water
trail can be viewed online at http://www.mdp.state.md.us/info/patuxpaddle/base.htm. For more
information contact Ken Hranicky at kharnicky@mdp.state.md.us or visit http://www.mdp.state.md.us/info/patuxpaddle/.
The Eastern Shore
Fishing Bay Water Trail
Fishing Bay Water Trail
(Location – Dorchester County)(Status – Existing)
Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is the largest parcel of publicly owned tidal wetlands in Maryland. 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. Fishing Bay features miles of meandering creeks, marsh grass habitats, secluded ponds and islands of loblolly pine. These tidal wetlands are rich in wildlife, from the common to the exotic and rare, promising a unique wildlife viewing experience. The Fishing Bay Water Trail has two identified trails totaling approximately 10 miles. Copies of the waterproof, tearproof map are free and can be obtained in person from the Boating Services/Water Trails Program in Annapolis, at the Fishing Bay WMA or at the Sailwinds Visitor Center at #2 Rose Hill Place, Cambridge, MD 21613. For more information on the trail send an e-mail inquiry to lgutierrez@dnr.state.md.us.
Janes Island Water Trail
(Location – Somerset County) (Status – Existing)
Janes Island State Park features approximately 2,900 acres of marsh, beach and high land.
Most of the park’s waterways are protected from wind and current and provide ideal
conditions for paddlers of all abilities. The Janes Island State Park Water Trail map
features six different trails, all of which begin and end at the Janes Island State Park
Marina and boat launch. Copies of this waterproof map can be obtained for $3.00 at the Janes Island State Park office at 26280 Alfred Lawson Drive, Crisfield, MD 21817 or by using the
online order form at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/trailguides.html. For more
information contact Janes Island State Park at (410) 968-1565 or send an e-mail to
Park-Janes-Island@dnr.state.md.us.
Smith Island Water Trails
(Location – Somerset County) (Status – Existing)
Though best known as a wtermans' community, Smith Island is also a paddler's paradise for day or over-night trips. The meandering creeks through the island's 8,000 acres of marsh provide extensive paddling opportunites close to three island villages. The Smith Island Water Trails Paddlers Guide was produced in 2008 and details seven routes that are marked and ready for exploration. In addition to the marked trails, there are many more miles of paddling possibilities for the experienced paddler through the bay's wildest marshes. These routes are unmarked and local knowledge should be consulted before embarking. To get a copy of the Smith Island Water Trails Paddlers Guide, send an e-mail request to Jim Rapp at dlitedirector@comcast.net or visit www.delmarvalite.org. Keep an eye out for wildlife on the island. Whether you're a casual photographer or a long-time wildlife photographer, you will definitely want to bring along your camera.
Choptank and Tuckahoe Rivers Water Trail
(Location – Caroline, Dorchester and Talbot counties)(Status – Existing)
The Choptank & Tuckahoe River Guide is your guide to exploring the Choptank and Tuckahoe
Rivers from Greensboro and Hillsboro to the Preston area just north of Secretary. View the
map and guide online at http://www.riverheritage.org/Riverguide/index.html. To get a hard
copy of this map visit the Old Harford Town Maritime Center at 10215 River Landing Road,
West Denton, MD 21629, call (410) 241-8661 or e-mail a request to info@riverheritage.org.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Paddling Trails
(Location – Dorchester County)(Status – Existing)
The Blackwater map details over 20 miles of paddling trails for canoes and kayaks. The
Paddling Trails map also provides a guide to local wildlife, important trail and navigation
information, safety and paddling tips. The waterproof map is $5 (this includes tax and
shipping). All proceeds from the sale of our maps go towards trail maintenance. To obtain a
copy of this map download an order form by visiting http://www.friendsofblackwater.org/paddling.html. Make checks and money orders payable to
Friends of Blackwater and mail to Friends of Blackwater, Inc., P.O. Box 1231, Cambridge, MD
21613 or fax a completed order form to (410) 221-1874. For additional information, contact
Peggy Tillier at phone (410) 221-1874 or e-mail to eaglesnest16@hotmail.com.
Sinepuxent Water Trail
(Location – Worcester County)(Status – Existing)
The Sinepuxent Bay Water Trails are existing routes that skirt the Assateague Island
National Seashore on Chincoteague Bay. Two routes, the Old Ferry Landing Loop and the
Bayside Loop can be accessed from launch sites off of Bayberry Road and Bayside Drive. Both
routes circle little Egging Island and provide opportunities to explore the marshes. For
more information contact the Worcester County Department of Tourism at 1-800-852-0335.
Corker’s Creek Black Water Canoe Trail
(Location – Worcester County)(Status – Existing)
This 1.5 mile self-guiding canoe trail along Corker’s Creek takes approximately 1 to 1.5
hours to complete. A brochure describing the natural environment along the water route is
available, making the adventure educational and informative for the novice or experienced
canoeist. Canoe and kayak rentals available. A brochure with a small map is available from
the Worcester County Department of Tourism. For more information visit http://www.visitworcester.org/, call 1-800-852-0335 or send an e-mail inquiry to
econ@ezy.net.
Bog Iron Water Trail
(Location – Worcester County)(Status – Existing)
The Bogiron Water Trail is an existing network of water trail routes along the Pocomoke
River and Nassawango Creek. The route along the Pocomoke River runs between the town of Snow
Hill and Shad Landing State Park. The route along Nassawango Creek runs from the canoe
launch at Red House Road to the confluence with the Pocomoke. A brochure with a small map is
available from the Worcester County Department of Tourism. For more information visit
http://www.visitworcester.org/, call 1-800-852-0335 or send an e-mail inquiry to
econ@ezy.net.
Nassawango Creek Canoe Trail
(Location – Worcester County)(Status – Existing)
The lower part of Nassawango Creek from Red House Road to the Pocomoke River is an easy
paddle for canoeists or kayakers. Over 3,000 acres along Nassawango Creek have been
preserved by the Nature Conservancy, which makes this 2.5 mile ride bordered by bald cypress
forests a beautiful one. For a shorter trip – 1.5 miles – take out at Nassawango Road. For
more information on this trail call (410) 546-8597.
Porter’s Crossing to Snow Hill Canoe Trail
(Location – Worcester County)(Status – Existing)
This 5.5 mile canoe trail on the Pocomoke River is relatively narrow and easy to paddle.
Cypress trees, reeds and other still water plants line the dark waters and decorate the
scenery. Heron, egrets and turtles are often seen wading in the river’s swampy reaches. The
densely wooded banks provide a cool shade canopy overhead. For more information call (410)
632-3971.