(Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline counties)

The northern part of Maryland’s Eastern Shore is characterized by the variety of its geography. The landscape is predominately rural with expanses of agricultural and forest lands. There are hundreds of tidal streams, creeks and rivers which all flow to the Chesapeake Bay. The shoreline along the northern Eastern Shore counties is varied and visitors can see steep cliffs and high bluffs give way to streamside forests, wetlands and marsh areas or low lying sandy beaches in most areas. This region features the most shoreline and points of public waterway access sites, of any region in the state thanks to the hundreds of coves, bays, rivers and islands that are found here.

Kent Island Water Trails

Kent Island Water Trails – Queen Anne’s County was developed through a partnership between Maryland DNR and Queen Anne’s County. This guide is designed for field use and is printed on waterproof, tear-proof paper. This map provides details on six different water trails in the Kent Island area. The guide, originally printed in 2010, was updated and reprinted in 2014.The trails provide a wide variety of paddling experiences so there are options for all levels of expertise. Also included is information on the fees and regulations required to access the county’s public landings and boat ramps, GPS locations, and amenities at each access point. While the detailed trails range in length from 1.25 to 3.6 miles, the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Chester River, Eastern Bay and Prospect Bay offer endless opportunities for more experienced paddlers. This map is available through the DNR Outdoor Store at https://www.shopdnr.com/KentIslandWaterTrails.aspx and from the Queen Anne’s County Department of Parks at 1945 4-H Park Road, Centreville, MD.

Tilghman Island and Bay Hundred Water Trails

The Tilghman Island and Bay Hundred Water Trails map was developed through a partnership between Maryland DNR and Talbot County. Designed for field use, the map is printed on durable, waterproof, tear-proof paper and provides details on five water trails in the area. The various trail provide a wide variety of paddling experiences with options for all levels of expertise. This publication also includes information on the fees and regulations associated with accessing the County’s public landings and boat ramps and the GPS locations and the amenities at each access point. The trails depicted range in length from 1 to 5.2 miles and include routes on the open waters of the Chesapeake and Eastern Bays, Miles River and several other creeks. This map is available from the DNR Outdoor Store at http://shopdnr.com/watertrails.aspx and from the Talbot County Office of Tourism at 11 South Harrison Street, Easton, MD. Visit www.tourtalbot.org or call 410-770-8000 for more information.

Corsica River Water Trails
(Queen Anne’s County)

Corsica River Water Trails: Paddling Adventures along Historic Waterways, depicts three paddling routes, which span approximately 8 miles of waterways near Centreville, Maryland. This publication includes maps and information on some of the natural, historic and cultural resources that can be found in the area and provides visitors with information needed to explore and navigate the routes.

Maryland DNR worked with The Town of Centreville, Queen Anne’s County, and the Corsica Conservancy, to develop this publication which debuted in May 2016. View or download a pdf of the Corsica River water trail map. Paper copies of the map are available at Centreville Town Hall, the Chesapeake Exploration Center, and Centreville Outdoors at the Centreville Wharf. For more information contact the Queen Anne’s County Parks at 410-758-0835. Paper copies of the map are available at Centreville Town Hall, the Chesapeake Exploration Center, and Centreville Outdoors at the Centreville Wharf. For more information contact the Queen Anne’s County Parks at 410-758-0835.

Marshyhope Creek Water Trail
(Caroline County)

The Town of Federalsburg, Maryland Guide to Public Access and Recreational Amenities map was developed through a partnership between Maryland DNR and the Town of Federalsburg. The map provides information on approximately 1 mile of the Marshyhope Creek Water Trail in Caroline County, and includes information on boat ramps, soft access, trails and other recreational amenities in the Town.

This map is available from the DNR Outdoor Store at http://shopdnr.com/watertrails.aspx and from the Town of Federalsburg, Town Hall, at 118 North Main Street, Federalsburg, MD. Call 410-754-8173 for more information.

Eastern Neck Island Water Trail

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge is located at the confluence of the Chester River and the Chesapeake Bay on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. This 2,285-acre island refuge is a major feeding and resting place for migrating and wintering waterfowl. A 10-mile long, water trail starts at Bogle’s Wharf and circles the entire Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge and connects scenic, historic and wetland restoration sites located around the island. The trail consists of seven points of interest including island loss, wetland restoration, historical locations, submerged aquatic vegetation beds, key wildlife viewing areas, hiking trails, and other recreation sites which contain interpretive wayside signs easily accessed and viewed by paddlers. All of the stopping points along with navigational markers and other useful information are displayed in a waterproof, tear proof, floating map and guide which is available at the Friends of Eastern Neck Bookstore located at the Visitor Center. While the trail may appear simple, it includes long stretches of open, tidal water along the Chesapeake Bay and Chester River which is greatly influenced by wind, weather, currents, and tidal changes. Paddlers should use caution and adhere to safety recommendations. For more information call 410-639-7056 or visit www.fws.gov/northeast/easternneck/.

Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center Water Trails

The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting stewardship and environmental education of the Chesapeake Bay. This map and guide was produce in partnership with Maryland DNR in 2007. The waterproof / tear-proof guide highlights three separate water trails which range from 1 mile to 2.8 miles along Marshy Creek, Prospect Bay, and Cabin Creek. CBEC features extensive marsh and woodland habitat and is a great place for wildlife enthusiasts to view a variety of wildlife. Copies of this map are available at the CBEC visitor center and the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center of Queen Anne’s County. For more information on CBEC call 410-827-6694 or visit www.bayrestoration.org.