Trail:
Choptank & Tuckahoe Rivers Water Trail
The Choptank River is the longest of the rivers on the Chesapeake Bay's Eastern Shore. Paddling or boating along the Choptank and its primary tributary, the Tuckahoe River, is a wonderful way to explore this classic Chesapeake landscape where steamboats, sail craft, and dugout canoes once plied the rivers.
The Choptank & Tuckahoe Rivers Water Trail encompasses 80 miles along the two rivers, linking multiple public access points and many natural and historic areas. The Water Trail allows visitors to experience the rich heritage of the Choptank and Tuckahoe rivers in canoes, kayaks, and small powerboats.
Enter Your Location
Remember: safe use of rivers and any designated trails, at any time, is your responsibility! Trail maps are for informational and interpretive purposes only and are not meant for navigational purposes, nor do they take into account level of skills or ability required to navigate such trails. The Chesapeake Conservancy, National Park Service, and/or the individual trail associations assume no responsibility or liability for any injury or loss resulting directly or indirectly from the use of trails, maps or other printed or web-based materials.
Quick Look
Trail Length: 80
Type of Equipment:
Tidal Water Trail: Yes
Trail Manager:
Choptank River Heritage
10215 River Land Rd
West Denton, MD 21629
(410) 479-0655
[email protected]
Trail Guide
Hours
May through September, Fridays & Saturdays 11 AM to 3PM, other times by appointment. Landings (launch and take out sites) are typically open for daylight hours, spring through fall.
Fees
There are no fees for accessing public landing sites in Caroline County.
There are permit fees for using the Talbot County public landings ($10/year).
Activities
Paddle a canoe or kayak, explore with a small skiff or sail along the Choptank and Tuckahoe to view wildlife, see historic sites dating to the 17th century, go fishing, or just relax.
Facilities
There are 28 existing public landings along the route. Most landings provide parking and direct access to the rivers. Some, but not all, accommodate trailer parking. Restrooms are not available at all landings or along the river; plan to use facilities or services in local communities or carry appropriate sanitary containers.
Camping is available at several public and private campgrounds in Caroline County including cabins and at Martinak State Park and Tuckahoe State Park. Services and accommodations are available in communities throughout the watersheds.
Trail History
The River Guide presents over 150 historic sites that have been identified along the banks of the Choptank and Tuckahoe Rivers. Historic sites listed in this River Guide were first catalogued in Maryland’s Upper Choptank River and Tuckahoe River Cultural Resource Inventory, a 1998 study produced by the Old Harford Town Maritime Center (OHTMC) in West Denton. A sequel to this study, the Lower Choptank River Cultural Resource Inventory, was published in summer 2002. Historic sites from this study were added to the RiverGuide. Both studies were funded by the Maryland Historical Trust.
