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

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.

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.

Water trails

Blackwater National Wildlife refuge: Three water trails meander a total of 27 miles through part of this 27,000-acre 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.

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).

Sit back and let someone else take the helm.

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.

skipjack Nathan of dorchester: Public one- or two-hour sails most weekends May through October, leaving from Long Wharf in Cambridge. 410.228.7141, www.skipjack-nathan.org.

Charters: For a list of charters, visit www.TourDorchester.org.

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 Tourismwww.TourDorchester.org410.228.1000 or 800.522.TOUR

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.

Paddling: Kayaks & Canoes

dorchester County’s many waterways provide miles of paddling opportunities—and stunning views.

This project was funded by the State Highway Administration’s National Recreational Trails Program

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Design and uncredited photos by Jill Jasuta/jilljasuta@verizon.net. Maps by Kate Donovan, Dorchester County Planning and Zoning Department. Printed by Delmarva Printing, www.delmarvaprinting.com.

© 2009 Dorchester County Tourism, www.TourDorchester.org

Personal Watercraft

d o r C H e s t e r C o u N t Y, M a r Y l a N d

W ater t rails g uide

Paddling, sailing, Powerboating, Cruises

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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.

areas to eXPloreCambridge: About 13 miles from the mouth of the Choptank, Cambridge provides plenty of boater ame-nities within walking distance of marinas, including restaurants, banks, post office, shopping, and muse-ums (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.

MariNasCambridge 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,

courtesy bicycles, Internet service, grocery delivery. Waterfront park. Dog-friendly.

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. Over-night 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.

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.

taylors island Family Campground: 410.397.3275. On Taylors Island on the Chesapeake Bay. Overnight slips, fuel, pumpout, ice, groceries, marine supplies, laundry, showers.

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.

resourCes

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.

Charts: For National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis-tration charts, go to www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov.

the county’s 1,700 miles of shoreline offer many harbors and coves.dorchester County is home to more than a dozen marinas, including the Cambridge Municipal Yacht Basin. the Choptank river, at dorchester County’s northern boundary, is the longest river on the eastern shore.

Boating: sailboats & Powerboats Cruises & tours

JuNe Eagleman Ironman 70.3 Triathlon, Cambridge.

JulY Taste of Cambridge and Crab Cook-Off, downtown Cambridge.

Cambridge Classic Powerboat Regatta, Cambridge.

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, Gover-nor’s Hall at Sailwinds Park, Cambridge.

Schooner Rendez-vous, Long Wharf, Cambridge.

PaddliNg saFetY tiPs:• If you are a novice unfamiliar with the area,

consider hiring a local guide.

• Plan ahead. Leave your route and return time with a relative or friend. Check weather condi-tions before you leave.

• Always wear a life jacket.

• In an emergency, stay with your vessel. Marshes cannot be crossed on foot.

• Cell phone service is not always reliable. Don’t count on it for rescues.

• Bring a spare paddle or pole, rain gear, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and snacks.

• If your canoe/kayak gets stuck, stay put. Try shifting your weight carefully as you push off with your paddle or pole.

BoatiNg saFetY tiPs• Make sure the boat is in top operating condi-

tion and that there are no tripping hazards. The boat should be free of fire hazards and have clean bilges.

• Make sure safety equipment, in good condi-tion, is on board, and that you know how to use it.

• Tell a relative or friend your itinerary.

• Know the operation and handling characteris-tics of your boat.

• Know your position and destination.

• Maintain a safe speed at all times.

• Keep an eye out for changing weather condi-tions, and act accordingly.

• Know and practice the Rules of the Road (Navigation Rules).

• Know and obey federal and state regulations and waterway markers.

• Maintain 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.

events

a crowd gathers to watch the crab-picking contest during the annual taste of Cambridge in July.

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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.

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Dorchester County Historical Society

downtown Cambridge offers a lot within walking distance of the water: shops with grocery items and necessities, as well as galleries, museums, and restaurants. For a full listing, pick up a guide at the Municipal yacht Basin or go to www.cambridgemain street.com.

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dorchester County Map safety tips

Paddling trails: Do not attempt to paddle the trails marked here without the official trail maps. See paddling section on reverse side for details.

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