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]](/art/wtkayak1.gif)
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
- 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) The five map set 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.
- Lower Potomac River Water Trail Map Set Order Form. (Adobe Acrobat file) The six map set 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.
- 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.
Canoeing and Kayaking in Southern Maryland State Parks
- African-American Sites Along the Patuxent River
- Greenwell State Park
- Point Lookout State Park
- Sandy Point State Park
- Smallwood State Park
- St. Mary's River State Park
Canoeing and Kayaking in Eastern Maryland State Parks
- Assateague State Park
- Janes Island State Park
- Martinak State Park
- Pocomoke River State Park
- Tuckahoe State Park
Canoeing and Kayaking in Central Maryland State Parks
- Elk Neck State Park
- Gunpowder Falls State Park
- Hart-Miller Island State Park
- North Point State Park
- Patapsco Valley State Park
- Patuxent River State Park
- Rocks State Park
- Seneca Creek State Park
- Susquehanna State Park
Canoeing and Kayaking in Western Maryland State Parks
- Big Run State Park
- Cunningham Falls State Park
- Deep Creek Lake State Park and NRMA
- Fort Frederick State Park
- Green Ridge State Forest
- Greenbrier State Park
- Herrington Manor State Park
- New Germany State Park
- Rocky Gap State Park
- Savage River State Forest
- Youghiogheny Scenic & Wild River
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Questions, comments, and suggestions can be directed to Maryland DNR.