Take a peaceful paddle through the Chesapeake Bay’s winding tributaries, as quiet waterways open into one of the most ecologically rich estuaries in the world. Experience the unique meeting of fresh and salt water up close, home to an incredible diversity of plants, fish, and wildlife. Along the way, we will explore Maryland’s layered natural and cultural history, from its deep ecological foundations to the communities shaped by its waters.
Join us on the water for an immersive experience of Maryland’s beauty, history, and living landscape, explored at a pace that allows you to truly take it in.
Each trip is rated as beginner, intermediate, or advanced paddling level. Please refer to the descriptions at the bottom of the page to determine your skill level.
“Go simple, go solo, go now.”
― Audrey Sutherland, Paddling North: A Solo Adventure Along the Inside Passage
2026 Paddle Programs
Paddle alongside Howdy Knipp for a leisurely journey along the Gunpowder River and its surrounding marshes as we search for some of Maryland’s native turtle species. We’ll drift past sunny riverbanks and navigate around fallen logs while keeping an eye out for turtles, other reptiles, and the diverse wildlife that calls this ecosystem home.
Water Chestnut Harvest
Join the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and NHSM for a guided canoe paddle to help remove invasive water chestnuts (Trapa natans) from local waterways; registration is required, space is limited, and some paddling experience is recommended.
Creek to Beak – Eastern Shore Birding Paddle
Join us for an early morning 2.5-mile expeditionary paddle from Wye Island NRMA to Pickering Creek Audubon Center, followed by a guided walk through diverse coastal and woodland habitats in search of what we can find.
Petroglyph Canoe Paddle
Paddle the Susquehanna River to explore one of the Northeast’s largest and most remarkable concentrations of ancient Native American petroglyphs, carved into the river’s bedrock nearly 1,000 years ago. See our Calendar of Events for next available date and time.
Visit our Registration Page to sign-up
Volunteers Needed!
If interested, please complete the Canoe Volunteer Interest Form. Contact Bex Lyons at blyons@marylandnature.org with any questions.
Paddle Levels
Beginner paddlers have little to no prior canoeing experience. They are comfortable holding a paddle and sitting in a canoe for extended periods, with some basic familiarity in canoe maneuvering but limited hands-on experience.
Intermediate Paddlers have some on-water experience and are comfortable navigating light rapids and moving water. They can propel the canoe forward and backward with ease, execute turns and quick stops, and maneuver safely around hazards.
Advanced Paddlers are highly comfortable on the water and capable of navigating vigorous rapids and high water conditions. In addition to performing all intermediate-level maneuvers, they can execute advanced strokes and perform rescues.