There is access to all types of paddling within the borders of the State of Maryland. There’s sea kayaking along Maryland’s coast, whitewater kayaking in the mountains and in the immediate surrounding states, and plenty of recreational paddling and historic canoe trails in this state that is closely situated to West Virginia, Virginia, and Washinton D.C. Here’s some kayaking and canoeing options in the immediate vicinity of the Chesapeake Bay State.

Go Paddle MD!

Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking in the State of Maryland

Maryland is not lacking in the area of canoeing and kayaking options for recreational boaters and those needing to rent canoes and kayaks. There are many bodies of water, well known paddling trails, and state parks that provide for a leisurely and scenic paddle for people of all abilities. Check out some of the canoeing, kayaking, and float trip options in Maryland here.

• Water Trails in Maryland
• Kayaking in the Washington D.C. Area
• Paddling the C & O Canal
• Tidal Basin Paddle Boats
• Paddling the C & O Canal

Sea Kayaking in Maryland

With a border on the Atlantic Ocean, Maryland has plenty of sea kayaking opportunities. And of course Maryland isn't known as the Chesapeake Bay State for nothing. With its many fingers, tributaries, and peninsulas there’s a world of paddling to be done on the Chesapeake Bay. Here are some places to check out with regard to sea kayaking and touring paddling in Maryland.

• Ocean City Maryland Campgrounds

• Exploring the Chesapeake Bay
• Canoeing and Kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay Region
• Kayaking the Virginia Eastern Shore
• The Assateague Island National Seashore
• Assateague Island
• Kayak Chincoteague & Assateague - Virginia Kayaking Tours
• The Virginia Sea Kayaking Center
• Kayaking Virginia Beach
• Dolphin Adventure Tours

Maryland’s Whitewater Kayaking

Maryland has access to some fantastic whitewater kayaking both within its own borders and very close in neighboring states. Whether at Great Falls Park, the Yough in Friendsville, MD, or creaking in nearby West Virginia, Maryland has a vibrant whitewater boating culture. Here is information on how to access some of the whitewater kayaking gems in and near to the State of Maryland.

• Great Falls Photos
• Great Falls Park
• Virginia State Rivers
• Whitewater Rivers in Maryland

Whitewater Rafting in Virginia

Like any good mountain state, Virginia has its share of whitewater and river rafting within its borders. There is also outstanding whitewater rafting opportunities in the neighboring states of Maryland and West Virginia.

• Rafting and Tubing at Harpers Ferry
• Places to Raft near Maryland
• River and Trail Outfitters
• Rafting the Youghiogheny Cheat, and Big Sandy

NEARBY PADDLING

Maryland with its proximity to Northern Virginia, Washinton D.C., West Virginia, and Pennsylvania is a great location to paddle in all of these states. Here are some of those options.

• Kayaking, Canoeing, and Rafting in Virginia and Washington D.C.
• Whitewater Rafting West Virginia’s New River Gorge, Cheat Canyon, and Gauley River

General Canoe, Kayak, and Rafting Information for Virginia

Due to the border situation between Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington D.C. as well as the wealth of paddling on the Chesapeake Bay, there is a diverse and widespread paddling culture in Maryland. There are clubs, associations, outfitters, rentals, and instruction locations all over the state and in the neighboring areas. Here is some additional information for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting in the state of Maryland.

• The Greater Baltimore Canoe Club
• The Chesapeake Association of Sea Kayakers
• Places to Kayak and Canoe in MD
• Canoe Cruisers Association
• The Chesapeake Paddler’s Association
• Maryland Camping with Canoeing