June 18, 2023
Float the Potomac
Long Gate Park & Ride • Meadowbrook Ln Ellicott City, MD 21043 Organized by Howard County Government
Registration unavailable.
About this event
Description
Nature enthusiasts and families can discover the beauty of the wide and scenic Potomac River northwest of Harpers Ferry on this one-day trip. Trip is mostly flatwater/low current with just a few riffles. Beginner and intermediate kayakers welcome; all paddlers must complete our paddling basics class before the trip.
Earn a certificate and patch by taking our Paddling Basics class and paddling our series of four Maryland waterways at least once within a three year period. This section for paddlers requesting a TANDEM KAYAK only - must have two people registered.
This trip involves paddling mostly flatwater on a wide section of the Potomac River with only a few river features such as rocks and riffles and little noticeable current. It is a good introduction to river paddling and you will need to paddle for most of the trip. Detailed info emailed to the participant – Check your registration to be sure you get it! Fee is per person, which includes transportation, leadership and boats; bring a lunch (no nut products) and beverage. All equipment provided for use during the program; paddlers may bring their life jacket pending approval by instructor. You must have completed our Paddling Basics class, Friends & Family Adventure in kayaking or HCRP equivalent prior to this trip. You may register for a paddling trip at the same time you register for a Paddling Basics class, but you must physically complete the Basics class or HCRP equivalent BEFORE the trip. Under 16 must be accompanied by a participating and registered parent or guardian. This is NOT a drop off program. For more information contact Matt Medicus, 410-313-1769 or mmedicus@howardcountymd.gov. Consult only this program status line within one hour of the program start time: 410-313-4451, press option 1 THEN option 3. Friends & Family Adventures and custom programs available for families, Scout groups, and more! Contact Matt Medicus for details or visit www.tinyurl.com/adventurepackages. Visit www.tinyurl.com/HCRPAdventure for more Adventure & Outdoor opportunities including Nite Bite Fishing! Scroll down for more important program notes. The HCRP Maryland Paddling series consists of the paddling basics class and our series of four river trips – complete the class and all four trips within a three year period to earn a certificate and patch! Trips listed below in order of difficulty - not all trips offered each season: Float Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge: a scenic flatwater paddle on the tidal waters near Cambridge, MD. No rocks or rapids but can be breezy with small waves. Distance on the water depends on the group and conditions for the day but averages 5-8 miles of paddling. Float the Potomac: a scenic mostly flatwater paddle on the Potomac above Harpers Ferry that does include a good introduction to minor river features. Distance about 6 miles and does require paddling for most of the trip. Float the Monocacy: Narrower and more current than the Potomac, this trip is about 7 miles of paddling with more river features including rocks and small rapids. Float the Antietam: The most technical and shortest distance of the four rivers, Antietam Creek features rocks, small rapids and a noticeable current for most of the trip.
Sub-Activities
Age and Gender
Ages 10-255 · Co-Ed