Water trails - Visit Dorchester

Boating: Sailboats & Powerboats
AREAS TO E X P LORE
Cambridge: About 13 miles from the mouth of the
Choptank, Cambridge provides plenty of boater amenities within walking distance of marinas, including
restaurants, banks, post office, shopping, and museums (including a maritime museum and boatworks).
Cambridge Creek provides protected anchorage, as
well as free public docking for up to 48 hours at the
bulkhead in front of the Dorchester County Building.
See map on other side.
La Trappe Creek: One of the most scenic anchorages
on the Bay, with historic homes and wooded banks.
On the Choptank River, keep to the right of green
marker 19A. Round the mark and follow the shoreline
up La Trappe Creek. Anchor near the spit to the left.
Little Choptank River: This quiet river has plentiful
anchorages; the most frequently used are in Hudson
Creek and Fishing Creek. Bonus excursion: Bring your
kayaks along, and paddle out to explore Parsons Creek,
Woolford Creek, and Madison Creek to the south, or
Brooks Creek and Hudson Creek to the north.
Choptank River: If your vessel can make it past the
Route 50 bridge (vertical clearance of 50 feet), the
Choptank—the Eastern Shore’s longest river—is easily
navigable beyond Cambridge for about 25 miles to
Denton, winding through fields, marshes, and forests.
Nanticoke River: Not well known and largely
undeveloped, the Nanticoke offers shorelines that
haven’t changed much since Captain John Smith
explored these waters in 1608. The river is navigable
for more than 40 miles from Hooper Strait to Seaford,
Delaware. About halfway up the river, the historic
town of Vienna offers a waterfront park and transient
slips on floating docks.
M ARINAS
Cambridge Municipal Yacht Basin: 410.228.4031, www.
ci.cambridge.md.us. In Cambridge on the Choptank,
just west of the Route 50 bridge. Recently expanded.
Overnight slips, fuel, pumpout, ice, laundry, showers,
Cambridge Yacht Club: 410.228.2141. On the Choptank,
just west of the Route 50 bridge. Docking privileges for
members of reciprocal clubs. Restaurant.
Caper’s Wharf: 410.228.0077. On Madison Bay. Overnight slips, fuel, small store. Can ship seafood.
Chapel Cove Marina: 410.228.1320. Off Slaughter
Creek on Taylors Island. Overnight slips, store, Island
Grille restaurant.
Gateway Marina: 410.476.3304, www.gatewaymarina.
com. In Trappe on the Choptank, on the north
side of the Route 50 bridge. Overnight slips, fuel,
electric, showers, pumpout, ice, groceries, full-service
boatyard, store.
Generation III Marina: 410.228.2520. At the head of
Cambridge Creek. Overnight slips, showers, electric,
pumpout, marine supplies, full-service boatyard.
Gootee’s Marine: 410.397.3122, www.gootees.com.
In Golden Hill, on Wallace Creek off the Honga River.
Overnight slips, electric, fuel, pumpout, ice, groceries,
marine supplies, repair, along with sales.
Madison Bay Marina & Campground: 410.228.4111.
On Madison Bay. Overnight slips, electric, showers,
laundry, ice, repairs, Madison Bay R&R restaurant.
PL Jones Boatyard and Marina: 410.397.3507. On the
southern end of Upper Hoopers Island. Overnight slips,
pumpout, store, electric, water, repairs.
Rippons Harbor: 410.397.3200. On the Honga River at
Lower Hooper Island. Overnight slips, fuel, electric,
ice, pumpout. Transportation available. Crab meat and
steamed crabs available on site in season.
River Marsh Marina: At the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake
Bay Resort in Cambridge. 866.378.7077, www.
chesapeakebay.hyatt.com. On the Choptank, just east
of the Route 50 bridge. Overnight slips, fuel, electric,
showers, laundry, pool, pumpout, ice, marine supplies,
Internet, restaurants. Guest privileges at the resort for
overnight boaters. Also offers lodging, golf, and spa.
Slaughter Creek Marina: 410.221.0050, www.slaughter
creekmarina.com. On Slaughter Creek, off the Little
Choptank River, near the Taylors Island Bridge.
Overnight slips, fuel, pumpout, electric, showers,
laundry, ice, marine supplies, boat and bike rentals,
pool, Dockside Bar & Grill.
The Choptank River, at Dorchester County’s northern boundary, is the longest river on the Eastern Shore.
Suicide Bridge Restaurant Marina: 410.943.4689,
www.suicidebridge.com. In Hurlock, on Cabin Creek
off the Choptank River. Transient slips, electric, ice,
pumpout, Suicide Bridge Restaurant.
Sit back and
let someone
else take the
helm.
Taylors Island Family Campground: 410.397.3275.
On Taylors Island on the Chesapeake Bay. Overnight
slips, fuel, pumpout, ice, groceries, marine supplies,
laundry, showers.
Choptank
Riverboat
Company:
Take a cruise
on the 80-foot
paddlewheelers, Dorothy Megan and Choptank
River Queen, docked in Hurlock. Sightseeing,
lunch, dinner, and crabfeast cruises April–
December. 410.943.4775, www.suicidebridge.com.
Yacht Maintenance Co.: 410.228.8878, www.
yachtmaintenanceco.com. At the mouth of Cambridge
Creek, off the Choptank River. Overnight slips, electric,
pumpout, marine supplies, full-service boatyard.
RESOUR C ES
Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester: Public oneor two-hour sails most weekends May through
October, leaving from Long Wharf in Cambridge.
410.228.7141, www.skipjack-nathan.org.
Tide tables: Go to www.dnr.state.md.us and click on
“Tide Table.”
Service and Supplies: Around the county, you’ll find
marine supplies, as well as everything from haul-outs,
marine electronics, canvas work, and diving service to
full-service boatyards. Ask at the closest marina.
Charters: For a list of charters, visit
www.TourDorchester.org.
Charts: For National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration charts, go to www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov.
The county’s 1,700 miles of shoreline offer many harbors and coves.
Personal Watercraft
Put in at any
one of the more
than 20 free
boat ramps
in Dorchester
County (see
map on other
side). The most
popular boat
ramp for PWCs is Franklin Street in Cambridge.
Remember to stay under 6 knots when you’re
500 feet or less from shore.
Photo: Dorchester County Tourism
Dorchester County is home to more than a dozen marinas, including the Cambridge Municipal Yacht Basin.
courtesy bicycles, Internet service, grocery delivery.
Waterfront park. Dog-friendly.
Photo: Dorchester County Tourism
With uncrowded waters, beautiful views, and
breathtaking anchorages, Dorchester County
offers great cruising for boaters, as well as free
boat ramps. Also see map on reverse side.
Cruises & Tours
Paddling: Kayaks & Canoes
DOR C H ESTER C OU N T Y, M AR Y LA N D
W ATER T RAILS G UIDE
Paddling, Sailing, Powerboating, Cruises
Water trails
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge: Three water trails
meander a total of 27 miles through part of this 27,000acre refuge, a haven for thousands of waterfowl and
wildlife. Pick up a water trail map at the Blackwater
Visitor Center, call 410.228.2677, or order online at
www.friendsofblackwater.org.
Discover paradise on the water in Dorchester County.
With 1,700 miles of shoreline—more than any other county in Maryland—
Dorchester County is a paradise for paddlers and boaters. From the open waters
Fishing Bay: The 28,500 acres of tidal wetlands offer
a remote wilderness experience. Fishing Bay has two
identified paddling trails totaling approximately 10
miles. Pick up a map at the Sailwinds Visitor Center in
Cambridge or call 410.228.1000 or 800.522.TOUR.
Nanticoke River: Although water trails have yet to be
established along the Nanticoke (the most biologically
diverse watershed on Delmarva), some of its tributaries
offer peaceful, shady paddles, including Chicone
Creek (north of Vienna) and Marshyhope Creek
(southwest of Sharptown).
The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic
Trail: America’s first national water trail covers about
3,000 miles of the Chesapeake Bay throughout
Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, including parts of
the Nanticoke River, Fishing Bay, and the southern
reaches of Elliott’s and Hooper’s Islands in Dorchester
County. Visit www.smithtrail.net for more information
on water trails that follow portions of Smith’s historic
journey more than 400 years ago.
Paddling resources
To rent a kayak, contact C.D. Outdoors (410.991.8468)
or Blackwater Paddle & Pedal Adventures (BPPA)
(410.901.9255), which also rents canoes.
To schedule guided group trips, contact C.D. Outdoors,
BPPA or ‘Peake Paddle Adventures (410.924.5290), which
also provides corporate team building sessions.
To purchase a fishing kayak, contact On the Rivet Cycle
and Sport (410.221.9981).
of the Chesapeake Bay to meandering brooks and unspoiled marshlands, there’s
a lot to explore. Whether you’re paddling, sailing, cruising—or letting someone
else do the navigating—you’ll discover dramatic sunsets, stunning landscapes,
abundant wildlife, and some of the best fishing the Chesapeake Bay has to offer.
There’s also easy access to award-winning restaurants, art galleries, museums, and
shops—along with that warm hospitality the Eastern Shore is known for.
Welcome to Dorchester County, the heart of the Chesapeake.
Dorchester County’s many waterways provide miles of paddling opportunities—and stunning views.
Photo: Stephen Bland
The flat waters and countless creeks and coves
make Dorchester County perfect for kayaking
and canoeing. In addition to more than 30 miles
of established, charted water trails, you can put
in at many other spots around the county.
Always follow safety guidelines (see other side)
and use common sense.
Find out more.
Discover all that Dorchester County has to offer,
from great cycling and bird watching to a rich heritage
that includes the story of Harriet Tubman and the
Underground Railroad.
Dorchester County Tourism
www.TourDorchester.org
410.228.1000 or 800.522.TOUR
This project was funded by the State
Highway Administration’s National
Recreational Trails Program
Design and uncredited photos by Jill Jasuta/[email protected].
Maps by Kate Donovan, Dorchester County Planning and Zoning
Department. Printed by Delmarva Printing, www.delmarvaprinting.com.
© 2009 Dorchester County Tourism, www.TourDorchester.org
Dorchester County Map
Safety Tips
CAROLINE
COUNTY
RT 16
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For Cambridge,
see map inset
Marina and Fuel
Suicide Bridge
Restaurant Marina
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(Navigation Rules).
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bridge
clearance
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• Maintain a safe speed at all times.
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now and obey federal and state regulations
and waterway markers.
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aintain a clear, unobstructed view forward
at all times. Scan the water back and forth;
avoid tunnel vision.
For more on boating safety, call the Boating
Safety Infoline at 1.800.368.5647.
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Below are some of the events that
draw thousands to Dorchester County
each year. For details, visit www.Tour
Dorchester.org or call 800.522.TOUR.
June
Eagleman Ironman
70.3 Triathlon,
Cambridge.
July
Taste of Cambridge
and Crab Cook-Off,
downtown
Cambridge.
Cambridge Classic
Powerboat Regatta,
Cambridge.
SOMERSET
COUNTY
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BOUND
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Dorchester County
Historical Society
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Dorchester
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Visitor
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Bill Burton Fishing Pier
State Park
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Hooper Strait
Bloodsworth Island
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Rippons Harbor
lower
Hooper
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ST MARY'S
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Hooper Island
Lighthouse
Downtown Cambridge
offers a lot within
walking distance of
the water: shops with
grocery items and
necessities, as well as
galleries, museums,
WORCESTER
and restaurants. For
a full listing, pick up COUNTY
a
guide at the Municipal
Yacht Basin or go to
www.cambridgemain
street.com.
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Middle
Hooper
Island
A crowd gathers to watch the crab-picking contest
during the annual Taste of Cambridge in July.
Cambridge
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now the operation and handling characteristics of your boat.
• Know your position and destination.
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CALVERT
COUNTY
P.L. Jones
Boatyard &
Marina
• Tell a relative or friend your itinerary.
Chicone
Creek
RD
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ake sure safety equipment, in good condition, is on board, and that you know how to
use it.
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Island
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Madison Bay
Marina &
Campground
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squa
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ake sure the boat is in top operating condition and that there are no tripping hazards.
The boat should be free of fire hazards and
have clean bilges.
sharptown
RT 33
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RT 16
BOATING SAFETY TIPS
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• If your canoe/kayak gets stuck, stay put. Try
shifting your weight carefully as you push off
with your paddle or pole.
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Capers Wharf
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1
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Parsons (RT
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Taylors Island
Campground
Chapel
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Marina
Madison
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Woolford
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James
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ring a spare paddle or pole, rain gear, water,
sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and snacks.
2
39
RT
RD
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Paddling Trails: Do not attempt
to paddle the trails marked here
without the official trail maps.
See paddling section on reverse
side for details.
(R
B
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Lighthouse
RD
TOW
Hospital
HI
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La Trappe
Creek
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ell phone service is not always reliable.
Don’t count on it for rescues.
N
OW
Visitor Center
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IN
PO
Gateway
Marina
• In an emergency, stay with your vessel.
Marshes cannot be crossed on foot.
NT
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Dining with Boat Access
HU DS
ON
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Trippe
Bay
Creek
Dining
Hambrooks
Lighthouse
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lways wear a life jacket.
Hurlock
4
RT 1
'
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'
´
Lecompte
Bay
Ma
rs
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x
Paddlers Launch
Paddling Trail
RT
331
1
Choptank River
Marina
SU
Boat Ramp
BR I D
RD
33
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lan ahead. Leave your route and return time
with a relative or friend. Check weather conditions before you leave.
RT
Map Key
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• If you are a novice unfamiliar with the area,
consider hiring a local guide.
k
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TALBOT
COUNTY
PADDLING Safety tips:
Federalsburg
'´
x
'
River Marsh
Marina at
the Hyatt
August
Seafood Feast-I-Val.
Governor’s Hall at
Sailwinds Park,
Cambridge.
September
Waterman’s Rodeo,
Taylors Island.
Native American
Festival, Vienna.
Summer Send-Off
Beer & Wine Block
Party, downtown
Cambridge.
Choptank Heritage
Skipjack Race,
Cambridge.
Dorchester
Showcase arts
festival, downtown
Cambridge.
October
Crabtoberfest, Governor’s Hall at Sailwinds
Park, Cambridge.
Schooner Rendezvous, Long Wharf,
Cambridge.