Four Favorite Paddling Destinations Within 90 Minutes of DC
When we first sat down to write this blog post we didn’t realize it would be so tough. We started with “the best paddling destinations,” then “our favorite,” and now here we are with just four. That’s because, in addition to DC itself being a great paddling destination, we are surrounded by so many great places to explore by SUP. So today we’re sharing four of our favorite SUP spots that are all within 90 minutes of DC. Whether it’s a day trip or part of your upcoming Labor Day weekend plans, add these locations on your list of must-paddle places.
The Monocacy Aqueduct - Dickerson, Maryland
If you followed us last year in the beginning of the pandemic, you know we took several trips to the Monocacy Aqueduct in Dickerson, Maryland. The aqueduct sits at the confluence of the Monocacy and Potomac Rivers, which is the actual paddling destination. Launching at the Monocacy, which is the largest Maryland tributary to the Potomac, you can either paddle upstream or downstream under the aqueduct to the Potomac. We tend to do the latter because of water levels. The current can be strong depending on those water levels, but not unreasonable. If you’re looking for a quiet place to paddle, this is a great option.
After your paddle, make sure to take some time to explore the aqueduct along the C&O Canal, which is full of history. And don’t forget to stop at one of the many farm stands for local produce on your drive home!
Inner Harbor - Baltimore, Maryland
Charm City’s just a short drive up 95 and within about an hour, you’ve got access to some lovely launch sites. If you’re a seasoned SUPer, a paddle around Baltimore’s historic Inner Harbor is an absolute must. We know what you’re thinking: “Paddle the Inner Harbor? In that water? No way.” It gets a bad rap, like the Potomac River, but it’s actually a lot safer than you think. You can read more about water quality here.
We highly recommend visiting our friends at B’More SUP, which offers the only SUP experience at the Inner Harbor - think paddle tours, SUP socials, yoga on the pier, and other pop up events. Their Inner Harbor season ends on September 1, but you still have time to experience some cool SUP events, like a sunset paddle and a paddle tour of Ft. McHenry. (If you see something you’re interested in, use code dcsupcouple at checkout for $5 off!)
If you’re more of a beginner, there are still a lot of options for you. You can check out B’More SUP’s other locations for rentals and lessons or, use the Go Paddling app to search for local launch sites.
Occoquan River, Virginia
If you drive less than an hour south of DC you’ll reach the Occoquan River, another tributary of the Potomac. There area a number of good paddling spots along the Occoquan. The town of Occoquan itself has a quaint historic district with restaurants and shops, and places to paddle! There are rental options available but also a public kayak launch that, while not the best design for SUPs, could be used if you’re careful and deliberate in how you use it.
You can also drive about 15 minutes upstream to Fountainhead Regional Park to access the Occoquan Reservoir in Fairfax County. This park is about 2,000 acres full of options to paddle, mountain bike, hike, and more. The reservoir is formed by the Occoquan River and the Occoquan Dam and is a drinking water supply for millions of Northern Virginians. There are options to both use your own board or rent equipment, but you’ll have to pay a fee for either.
Big Slackwater - Sharpsburg, MD
Don’t tell our friends Julie and Bernie that we’re sharing this spot with you! They introduced us to this location in Sharpsburg, Maryland a few years back and while it’s the farthest destination on this list (almost exactly 90 minutes away), it’s a fan favorite in our household. Big Slackwater sits along the C&O Canal and is one of the spots where the canal boats would enter the Potomac River. Dam 4 sits less than a mile downstream, so it’s best to launch from the boat ramp and paddle upstream. Here, the Potomac River flows between Maryland and West Virginia and offers a great flatwater paddling experience. However, be prepared for the occasional jet skier and power boat.
We love checking out local breweries after we paddle (in about 20 minutes you can be sipping beer at Cushwa Brewery - another introduction made by Julie and Bernie!) And if you’re in that area, you should definitely swing by to see our friends at Wetsuit Wearhouse.
There are so many great paddling destinations that didn’t make this list - from east of DC into Annapolis and beyond the Bay Bridge, to southern Maryland and out toward the Shenandoah in Virginia. We’ll be adding this list to in the future. In the meantime, comment below with your favorite paddling destinations within 90 minutes of DC!
