Maryland’s Statewide Water Trails Program
A Program of the Boating Facilities and Public Access Planning Division:
In 2007, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources created the Boating Services Unit and the Boating Facilities and Public Access Planning Division. This new division houses the Maryland Water Trails Program and is responsible for promoting the protection and creation of sites that provide public access to waterways and the development of water trails and other recreational boating opportunities throughout Maryland.
The division works with state, local and federal governments and private partners to coordinate and monitor the statewide network of public access sites and water trails and provide opportunities for people to enjoy them. In addition, the Maryland Water Trails Program coordinates the development of water trails statewide and provides technical, mapping and design assistance to local governments to help plan, implement, and promote water trails.
Program staff are responsible for tracking and reporting on Maryland’s progress in achieving the Chesapeake Bay Agreement goals for establishing new water trails and improving public access and also represent DNR on the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Public Access Workgroup and the National Park Services’ Gateways and Water Trails Workgroup.
From the open waters of the Coastal Bays and the Chesapeake Bay in the East, to the intimate meandering creeks off the Potomac River mid-state, and raging whitewater of the Youghiogheny River in to the West, Marylanders have a long history of reliance upon their waterways. There are numerous places in Maryland that have always attracted boaters and paddlers, but the Greenways and Water Trails program is making strides to provide a host of user-friendly information on how to enjoy and access Maryland’s water trails safely.
Through partnerships with local governments, nonprofits organizations, citizen associations, the Maryland Water Trails program is spreading the word on how establishing a water trail can be effective in helping to protect and enhance local waterways while simultaneously providing a tourist attraction and magnet for economic development. Several Federal, State and local parks and refuges in Maryland are working with the program to develop river guides and establish facilities for access, equipment rental, and other amenities.
Show Me Maryland's Water Trails By Region:
Order Your Water Trails Maps Today:
Please note that the Upper Potomac River map set and the Lower Potomac river map set require payment. To order either of thes map sets, download the order form and send it in with payment to Maryland DNR Boating Service, Attn: Map Orders, 580 Taylor Ave., E-4 Annapolis, MD 21401.
- Upper Potomac River Water Trail Map Set - $8.00 Order Form (Adobe Acrobat file)
- Lower Potomac River Water Trail Map Set - $5.00 Order Form (Adobe Acrobat file)
When requesting any of the maps below please include your name, mailing address, phone number and the name of which map you are ordering. Send requests to lgutierrez@dnr.state.md.us
- North Branch Potomac River Water Trail Map Set
- Fishing Bay Water Trail: A Wildlife Adventure
- Point Lookout Water Trail: A Timeless Adventure
- Janes Island Water Trail: Explore the Marshes of the Eastern Shore (SORRY OUT OF STOCK)
- Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center Water Trail: A Birding Adventure
- Charles County Water Trails: The Wild Side of the Potomac River
- Chesapeake Bay Public Access Guide 2000 (Susquehanna River and tidal tributaries)
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