Baltimore Maryland offers a wide range of freshwater and saltwater kayaking opportunities.
The Patapsco River and its tributaries contain habitats where kayakers can enjoy fishing, birdwatching, or simply exploring.
Patapsco Valley State Park provides paddlesports enthusiasts with multiple access points for launching and explore the upper sections of Patapsco River.
Additional Public launching areas along the Patapsco include facilities operated by Baltimore County, the City of Baltimore, and Masonville Cove Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership.
On the lower Patapsco River, several areas offer unique urban experiences. In the Inner Harbor, kayak tours are offered during the warm seasons.
Currently under development, the Baltimore Blueway is a network of water trails and public access points for non-motorized craft.
One of the area’s most unusual urban settings can be found in Curtis Bay and Curtis Creek where a graveyard of old ships rest quietly in shallow water.
Other rivers near Baltimore include the Bush, Middle, Gunpowder, Back, Magothy, Severn, South, Rhode, West, and Patuxent. Each of these rivers offer unique kayaking opportunities.
A number of Anne Arundel County parks near Baltimore contain cartop boat launch sites, including Beachwood Park (Magothy River), Davidsonville Park (Patuxent River – Patuxent Water Trail), Down’s Park (Chesapeake Bay), Fort Smallwood Park (Patapsco River), Green Haven Wharf (Stoney Creek), and Harry & Jeanette Weinburg Park (Patapsco River).
Several lakes and reservoirs are located near Baltimore. Liberty Reservoir (3100 acres) is located on the North Branch of the Patapsco River. Liberty is the largest of Baltimore County’s major reservoirs.
Lake Roland (100 acres) is located along the Jones Falls tributary of the Patapsco River. Baltimore County maintains a 500 acre park and nature center with kayak and small boat access.
Loch Raven Reservoir (2400 acres) is located on the Big Gunpowder Falls River.
Pretty Boy Reservoir (1500 acres) lies along the Gunpowder River.
Triadelphia Reservoir and T. Howard Duckett – Rocky Gorge Reservoir are located on the Patuxent River.
Piney Run Reservoir (300 acres) is located within Piney Run Park (Carrol County).
Other state parks and national wildlife refuges are located a short distance from Baltimore.
Gunpowder Falls State Park offers spectacular scenery, fishing, and other activities.
Sandy Point State Park is located very close to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and other famous landmarks.
At Patuxent Research Refuge, kayakers can explore waterways and see a variety of wildlife.
Water Trails near Baltimore
Baltimore Blueway (under development)
Lower Susquehanna River Water Trail
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
Patuxent Water Trail (www.patuxentwatertrail.org)
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Captain John Smith National Historic Trail