Monocacy River in Maryland

Trip Overview

On this beautiful 4th of July, we headed to the Monocacy loaded up with the bikes and the yaks for a double-your-pleasure-double-your-fun trip. We went to the Devilbiss Bridge access and locked up our bikes, then drove to the Creagerstown Bridge access to put in the yaks.

We were so glad we chose the Monocacy for our Independence Day paddle, because we were pretty danged independent! We saw a few folks in canoes and a few folks chilling in the water, but otherwise it was a lovely quiet paddle. We got hung up on rocks and sand a few times, as the water level was pretty low (three weeks with no rain). Doing the kayak scootch worked for some, but there were spots where we had to get out of the boats and dislodge.

As for the birding, we saw lots of hundreds of Cedar Waxwings, a Prothonatary Warbler, Great Blue Herons, Sandpiper, and all the other "usual suspects." Heard but did not see Wood Thrush, Scarlet Tanager, and were told by a couple of dudes in a canoe we just missed a pair of mature Bald Eagles. Wouldn't THAT have been a sight on the 4th of July!?!

At the take-out we locked up the boats and hopped on the bikes for the quick ride back up to the Creagerstown Bridge. This is a 6 or 7 mile ride on Dublin Road with a few hills to handle. There's no shoulder for some sections, but with very little traffic it was a real pleasure. Lots of cows to say hello to.

Fees:

None

Directions:

From I-70 take 97 North to 26. Take 26 west to Libertytown, then hop on 550. At Woodsboro, enter the town and take a left on Gravel Hill Rd. Gravel Hill will take you to Dublin Road, and from there you can go right on Dublin to get to the put in at the Creagerstown Road Bridge or left on Dublin Road to get to the Devilbiss Road Bridge.