Triadelphia Reservoir in Maryland

Trip Overview

Twice in the past three weeks I've put-in at the boat launch area on Tridelphia Mill Rd. on the Howard county side of the lake. The distance from the car to the water is about 50' and mostly grass, providing a easy pull to the launch ramp, which is concrete but an easy carry.

Tridelphia Lake has been quite low for the past few years, and this spring it was probably down 20' for some maintenance. But it is full now.

Once in the water it is about .3 mile paddle out to the main lake. From there I've always turned right - north to head "upstream". About a mile upstream is another launch ramp on the Montgomery County side.

The paddle is quite pleasant, and easy. But a north wind could generate some swells. The lake is surrounded by forests that come down to the water's edge. The only wildlife I have heard was the call of an Osprey, but other paddlers have told me that deer will occasionally be at the shore and all other kinds of birds can be seen overhead.

Accommodations:

1 porta potty

Fees:

WSSC has said $5/day or $60/year, $0 for seniors.

We were hailed by a 'ranger person' and asked, "Fishing or Paddling?" when we indicated Paddling, she went on.

Directions:

From Glenelg, off Md-32, west of Columbia, take Tridelphia Rd west for about 5 miles to the launch area on the right.