Chincoteaque Bay in Maryland

Trip Overview

We put in at Taylor's Landing on the west side of Chincoteaque Bay which is part of the E.A. Vaughn Kayak Trail. The water was smooth as glass and a local fisherman present remarked he had only seen it that smooth twice.

We decided to paddle straight to Mills Island, which is about 2 miles into the bay and then circumvent the island. This was an excellent paddle. Birds are abundant on the island, most of which has no landing points due to the marshes that extend out from the island.

Even on a Saturday we saw only a handful of power boats in the distance. As you reach the south eastern parts of the island you are looking due south on Chincoteaque Bay. The wind picked up in this area and the water became slightly choppy. On a windy day this could make for an exciting trip.

As we rounded the southern end of the island and passed George's Landing (another possible put in point), we stopped to speak to a gentleman from Connecticut busy sailing a kayak in the open waters in that area. He remarked we were the first people he had seen all day and he was having a great time sailing.

This has become one of our favorite paddling spots due to the abundance of wildlife and lack of power boaters.

Accommodations:

Restaurants and possibly a bed and breakfast in Snowhill. No facilities etc. at boat launch.

Fees:

No

Directions:

Take Rt. 12 South from Snow Hill approximately 5 miles. In Girdletree turn left on Box Iron Road, bear left then right onto Taylor's Landing Rd. which dead-ends at the parking lot.

Resources:

E.A. Vaughn Wildlife Area publishes a brochure. A copy is available at www.visitworcester.org/eavaughn/