Tuckahoe Creek in Maryland

Trip Overview

Wow, what a gem.

I "discovered" this creek by accident. I missed a turn in my car. When looking for a place to turnaround I pulled into a gravel section off the road that turned out to be the boat launch for this creek. It looked inviting, so I came back the next day with kayaks.

Most of the paddle runs through Tuckahoe State Park. It was Labor Day weekend, and we didnt hear a soul. So the park simply gives you protected land to paddle through, without the presence of people that may disturb the peace.

At the put in, head back underneath the bridge. After a mile or so you will escape any trace of road noise. There is nothing here but the sounds of nature. The creek narrows and forms a nice canopy. Once you head into the parksay, three miles from the put inthe tidal creek gives way to a nontidal portion with a decent current. Paddling upstream, the current is actually nice. It is much easier to navigate the narrow passages and sharp turns going upstream than it is going downstream.

It is spectacular here. The tree cover, the quiet, the twisting creek, the fallen trees. Park employees apparently clear fallen trees from the creek once or twice a year. If something has fallen and blocks passage (unlikely, but possible) it is worth the effort to get out and get around it.

Some recommendations:

• Bring a camera. It is spectacular.

• Leave the carbon fiber paddle at home.
  I had mine because that's what was in the car. No problem--but there are so many narrow and shallow passages--I actually maneuvered through some sections with my hands pushing against trees. The aluminum shaft paddle would have been fine here.

• I had my 14.5 ft kayak. A smaller boat would have been better for this paddle.

Accommodations:

Launch ramp and parking

Fees:

Sign says a permit is required for parking. This may refer to vehicles with trailers only.

Directions:

Access is on MD 404, over the bridge just beyond First Street in Hillsboro, MD

Resources:

Gertler's Maryland and Delaware Canoe Trails