One of the reasons I chose paddling as a hobby might be the variety of experience offered in the sport, and of course, it helps to reside within one of the top paddling regions in the Mid-Atlantic. I can be paddling whitewater on the Youghiogheny River in Western Pennsylvania on a Saturday afternoon and then find myself on a flatwater kayak paddle on Locust Lake State Park the very next day. From my location in Allentown, Pennsylvania I have choices of paddling coastal, creek, river, class 2-3 whitewater or flatwater lake pretty much throughout the year, and it’s all within a two to three hour drive of my house. And Maryland is my most recent discovery for great paddling and most of that paddling is within the three hour driving radius of my home.  

Top Maryland Paddling Trips

 Maryland offers paddling opportunity ranging from flatwater excursions for novice paddlers, to guided birdwatching, historical and cultural adventures along intricate waterways.

1. I love paddling the Antietam Creek in Sharpsburg, Maryland. You’ll appreciate Antietam Creek’s combination of American history, scenery and tricky current that will certainly test your class 1 paddling skills if you approach it with a cavalier attitude.
2. Assateague State Park is located on Maryland’s Assateague Island, a barrier island bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by Sinepuxent Bay. The island’s coast offers paddlers the chance to explore secluded coves by canoe or kayak. The marsh areas have a variety of wildlife, including deer, waterfowl and feral horses. And there is plenty of camping opportunity at Assateague.
3. Gunpowder Falls State Park offers paddling opportunity ranging from Class l to lll.  The upper river between Falls Road to the take-out at York Road is comprised of  fun riffles and fast flat water but moderate paddling skills are required to navigate the fallen trees that can act as a strainer on the narrow stream.
4. Janes Island State Park Water Trail offers 30 miles of paddle trails for either a full day or overnight paddling experience. Within the 2,900 acre Chesapeake Bay natural paradise you’ll experience solitude and excellent scenery in the shallow bays and marshes. Most of the trails are protected from wind and current, providing perfect relaxed nature viewing flatwater paddling. If you are searching for a tranquil paradise to paddle then Janes Island is worth checking out.

Maryland’s Antietam Creek is one paddling destination full of scenery, wildlife, excitement, but most importantly a great part of American history. The most convenient way to paddle the Antietam is to begin at Devil’s Backbone Park on Route 68 near Sharpsburg and you can choose between two takeouts. One being the Burnside Bridge takeout or paddle the 12 miles to the Potomac takeout. Paddling to the Potomac can take from 4-8 hours depending on your ambition.

Conditions 
During normal water conditions you’ll encounter swift current that may test your paddling skills. And there are ledges, rocks, strainers you’ll need to navigate. The creek is only a class 1, but at the end of the run, near the Potomac, you’ll encounter the class 2 Furnace Rapids. During high water levels this rapid may be a bit difficult for novices. Inexperienced paddlers may want to consider portaging this rapid.

Burnside’s Bridge
The Antietam Creek flows straight through the Antietam Battlefield at Burnside’s Bridge. This bridge was the location of one of the most famous battles of the Civil War. It was at this bridge a few hundred Confederate soldiers held off thousands of Union Soldiers for several hours. Unfortunately you can not dock your boat within 1000ft of the bridge. The best way to see the battlefield is to visit the Antietam National Park after you’ve completed your paddle.

Visit these Antietam Creek Website resources
Devil’s Backbone County Park - the launch point of the lower Antietam.

See more Antietam Creek canoeing and kayaking information and Antietam Creek canoeing photos.