Assawoman Canal in Delaware

Trip Overview

My friend and I set out to paddle the Assawoman Canal and Bay. Unfortunately it was very windy the entire weekend and we couldn't manage paddling to the bay. We stayed closer to the smaller access waterways and went into the Assawoman Canal.

The tide was high which made paddling very easy. The leaves were turning into their fall colors and no bugs. Very easy and beautiful trip; some downed trees, but no strainers.

Lots of King Fishers, Great Blue Herons and Osprey.

We started out at Brandywine Drive, paddling out into a small bay area then into the Assawoman Canal. We went just beyond the first bridge (it goes to Camp Barnes) just south of the Rt. 26 bridge.

Anyone interested in paddling this historic waterway might consider going sooner than later. Developers are building all around and plans are to dredge the canal to create a nautical thoroughfare for boats to travel from Indian River Bay to the Assawoman Bay.

Accommodations:

Lots of B&B's and rental properties

Fees:

No

Directions:

You can put in at any of the parks along Rt.1 between South Bethany and Fenwick Island. That's the shortest way to get there. You can also put in around Indian River Inlet and paddle from north to south.