Who needs a motor when you’ve got wisdom and a paddle?
Take a peaceful paddle through the rich history and natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries. Get a front row seat to explore the meeting place of freshwater and saltwater– home to a wide variety of plants, fish, and wildlife. Together, we’ll learn about Maryland’s diverse ecosystem, its deep historical roots, and the important conservation efforts underway to protect it for future generations.
Join us in experiencing one of the largest estuaries in the world, at a pace that lets you take it all in.
Each trip is rated for beginner, intermediate, or advanced paddle levels. Please see the bottom of this page to find out your level.
“There’s magic in the feel of a paddle and the movement of a canoe, a magic compounded of distance, adventure, and solitude, and peace.”
Sigurd F. Olson, The Singing Wilderness, 1956
Turtle Paddle on the Susquehanna River
With the help of expert guides, we will be looking for map turtles that inhabit the river. You will also get the chance to catch hatchlings and some adults to get a closer look at the turtles.
Patapsco Wetland Ecology Paddle
Join us on an unforgettable journey along the Patapsco River! Along the journey, we’ll explore the vital role marshes play in our ecosystem and examine the key factors that affect their health.
Petroglyphs Paddle on the Susquehanna River
Take a step back into history with this unique paddling experience! Located on the Susquehanna River just south of the Safe Harbor Dam is one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs in the Northeast U.S. Found primarily on two islands named Big Indian Rock and Little Indian Rock, these petroglyphs are thought to be as many as 1,000 years old. The Algonquian people created these rock carvings that can still be enjoyed today, accessible only by kayaks, canoes, or small motorized boats.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Paddle
Paddle where the Ospreys hatch and the Eaglets learn to fly! Containing one third of Maryland’s tidal wetlands, Blackwater Wildlife Refuge was established as a migratory bird refuge and is now home to over 250 bird species. We will dip our paddles in the shallow waters that muskrats and beavers call home, navigating through the lush, marshy grasses.
… And More!
Check back here throughout the spring and summer to discover new and exciting trips!
Visit our Registration Page to sign-up
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers must be able to help team-lift canoes and have paddling experience. We are also in need of drivers that can haul a canoe trailer with their vehicle to the trip locations. Drivers will be compensated monetarily and with paddle time.
If interested, please complete the Canoe Volunteer Interest Form. Contact Bex Lyons at blyons@marylandnature.org with any questions.
Paddle Levels
Beginner paddlers have little to no experience on a kayak or canoe. They are able to paddle forward and are most comfortable on flat water.
Intermediate paddlers have some experience on the water and are more comfortable with light rapids and moving water. They are able to move the kayak forwards and backwards with ease, as well as make turns and fast stops, and maneuver around hazards.
Advanced paddlers are the most comfortable on the water and can navigate through more vigorous rapids and high water. In addition to being able to perform all of the maneuvers from the intermediate level, they are also able to do advanced strokes and rescues.