PUBLIC PADDLES

1. QUAKER NECK LANDING / CHESTER RIVER

May 22, 2010

Paddle Description:

Located on the middle section of the Chester River, Quaker Neck historically served as a landing site for the great steam ships that once called upon the many wharves of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.  Today, this quiet location puts paddlers in close proximity to two of the Chester’s hidden gems, Shippen Creek and Jarrett Creek.  This portion of the river was heavily inhabited by the Wicomiss Indians in the days preceding the arrival of Europeans, as evidenced by the many oyster shells eroding from the banks.  Quaker Neck is an excellent location for learning about local Native American history, pulling seine nets, viewing osprey nests, walking sandy beaches, enjoying nature, and exploring an unspoiled section of the Chester.

Driving Directions:

 From Points North:  Take Route 213 South into Chestertown.  At the seventh stoplight (and after passing Washington College), turn right onto Cross Street.  Take Cross Street for approximately 4.8 miles to Quaker Neck Landing Road (the route will take you through Chestertown, along the Chester River, and through the small town of Pomona).  Turn left onto Quaker Neck Landing Road and follow 2.25 miles to the landing at the Chester River.

From Points South:  Take Route 213 North into Chestertown.  At the first stop light after the Chester River Bridge, turn left onto Cross Street.  Take Cross Street for approximately 4.8 miles to Quaker Neck Landing Road (the route will take you through Chestertown, along the Chester River, and through the small town of Pomona).  Turn left onto Quaker Neck Landing Road and follow 2.25 miles to the Chester River.

 From Annapolis and points West:  Take Route 50 East over the Bay Bridge and Kent Narrows Bridge.  At the Route 50/301 split, veer left onto Route 301 North.  After the split, travel approximately 5.6 miles to the exit for Route 213 North/Centreville (the second exit ramp).  Veer right onto Route 213 North and travel for approximately 20 miles into Chestertown.  After crossing the Chester River Bridge, turn left at the first stop light onto Cross Street.  Take Cross Street for approximately 4.8 miles to Quaker Neck Landing Road (the route will take you through Chestertown, along the Chester River, and through the small town of Pomona).  Turn left onto Quaker Neck Landing Road and follow 2.25 miles to the Chester River.

2. BOGLES WHARF / CHESTER RIVER

June 5, 2010

Paddle Description:

Eastern Neck Island has enchanted visitors to Kent County for centuries with its pristine marshes, pine forests, and abundant wildlife.  Since 1967, the island has served as a National Wildlife Refuge and has become a critical stopping point for thousands of migratory waterfowl during their annual migrations on the North American flyway.  Departing from a small public landing at Bogles Wharf, this paddle will put you on some of the most pristine tidal wetlands on the Eastern Shore.  Sultana Projects’ professional guides will point out historic sites of European and Native American origin throughout the voyage, and sightings of ospreys, bald eagles, kingfishers, and other waterfowl are common. 

Driving Directions:

From Wasington, Baltimore, and Annapolis :  Take Route 50 East over the Bay Bridge and proceed over Kent Island to the Route 50/301 split.  At this junction, bear left onto Route 301 North.  Follow Route 301 North for approximately six miles to the exit for Route 213 North (take the second exit ramp, towards Centreville).  Follow Route 213 North for approximately 20 miles to Chestertown.  After crossing the Chester River Bridge, take a left at the first stoplight onto Cross Street.  Take Cross Street for one block to the stop light at High Street and turn right.  Follow High Street out of Chestertown, where the road becomes Route 20.  Stay on Route 20 for approximately 13 miles to Rock Hall.  In Rock Hall, turn left at the blinking yellow light onto MD Route 445 towards Eastern Neck Island.  Take this road for approximately 7 miles into the refuge.  After crossing the small bridge over Eastern Neck narrows, proceed for approximately 1 mile and turn left onto Bogle’s Wharf Road.  The road dead-ends at the landing.

From points south :  Take Route 50 west to the stoplight at Chesapeake College.  Turn right onto Route 213 North and proceed approximately 20 miles to Chestertown.  After crossing the Chester River Bridge, take a left at the first stoplight onto Cross Street.  Take Cross Street for one block to the stop light at High Street and turn right.  Follow High Street out of Chestertown, where the road becomes Route 20.  At this point, follow the directions in italics above.

From points north :  Take I-95 South to Delaware exit 1A (Middletown).  Follow Route 896 South until it turns into Route 301 South.  Get off at the Chestertown/Galena exit (Route 290).  At the traffic light in Galena, go straight - the road becomes Route 213 South. Stay on Route 213 South for approximately 15 miles into Chestertown.  At the second stoplight in town, turn right onto Morgnec Road (there will be a large Walgreens on your left at this intersection).  Take Morgnec Road for approximately ½ mile to its intersection with High Street/Route 20 and turn right.  At this point, follow the directions in italics above.
 

3.  CRUMPTON / CHESTER RIVER

June 26, 2010

Paddle Description:

The upper Chester River near the Route 290 bridge is one of the most scenic - and untraveled - stretches of this major Eastern Shore tributary. The voyage begins at the village of Crumpton, most known for its world famous auction held every Wednesday throughout the year. Our guide will lead you up some of the upper Chester's hidden creeks to view ospreys, bald eagles, blue heron, and a variety of tidal wetland habitats. Learn about the local Native American tribes first recorded in this area by Captain John Smith during his voyages of 1608.

Driving Directions:

 From Washington, Baltimore, and Annapolis: Take Route 50 East over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.  Follow Route 50 over Kent Island to the Rt. 50/301 split. At the split, bear left onto 301 North. Take 301 North approximately 22 miles.  Take the Route 290 exit towards Pondtown/Crumpton.  Follow Route 290 approximately 3.5 miles to the intersection with Front Street in Crumpton.  Turn left onto Front Street.  Turn right onto Market Street.  Public landing is ahead at end of road.

From Points South (Easton, Salisbury): Take Route 50 West, past Easton, to the traffic light across from Chesapeake College.  Turn right at the light onto Route 213 North towards Centreville.  Follow Route 213 North approximately 5 miles.  Turn right onto the ramp for Route 301 North.  Follow Route 301 North approximately 20 miles.  Take the Route 290 exit towards Pondtown/Crumpton.  Follow Route 290 approximately 3.5 miles to the intersection with Front Street in Crumpton.  Turn left onto Front Street.  Turn right onto Market Street.  Public landing is ahead at end of road.

From Philadelphia and Points North:  Take I-95 South to Delaware exit 1A (Middletown).  Follow Route 896 South until it turns into Route 301 South.  Follow Route 301 South through Middletown, DE and into Maryland.  Turn left onto Route 544.  Follow Route 544 approximately 2 miles to Route 290.  Turn right onto Route 290 and follow approximately 1 mile to intersection with Front Street in Crumpton.  Turn left onto Front Street.  Turn right onto Market Street.  Public landing is ahead at end of road. 

4. RILEY’S MILL / CHESTER RIVER – MORGAN CREEK

July 17, 2010

Paddle Description:

Morgan Creek is one of the hidden gems of Kent County. A major tributary of the Chester River lined almost entirely by agricultural fields, the Creek is lightly traveled and full of majestic tidewater scenery. Bald eagle and osprey sightings are common, and both shorelines are lined with acres of wetlands populated with cattails, wild rice, arrow arum (Tuckahoe) and marsh mallow. Morgan Creek is also home to a large population of muskrats, beavers, and river otters and in the spring is a destination for spawning white perch, yellow perch, and herring.

Driving Directions:

From Wasington, Baltimore, and Annapolis :  Take Route 50 East over the Bay Bridge and proceed over Kent Island to the Route 50/301 split.  At this junction, bear left onto Route 301 North.  Follow Route 301 North for approximately six miles to the exit for Route 213 North (take the second exit ramp, towards Centreville).  Follow Route 213 North for approximately 20 miles to Chestertown.  Pass through Chestertown.  Approximately 4 miles after passing through Town, turn right onto Riley’s Mill Road.  The road dead-ends at the public landing in approximately ½ mile.

From points south :  Take Route 50 west to the stoplight at Chesapeake College.  Turn right onto Route 213 North and proceed approximately 20 miles to Chestertown.  Pass through Chestertown.  Approximately 4 miles after passing through Town, turn right onto Riley’s Mill Road.  The road dead-ends at the public landing in approximately ½ mile.

From points north :  Take I-95 South to Delaware exit 1A (Middletown).  Follow Route 896 South until it turns into Route 301 South.  Get off at the Chestertown/Galena exit (Route 290).  At the traffic light in Galena, go straight - the road becomes Route 213 South. Stay on Route 213 South for approximately 11 miles (towards Chestertown), then turn left onto Riley’s Mill Road.  The road dead-ends at the public landing in approximately ½ mile.  Helpful hint:  the turn-off for Riley’s Mill Road is just past the right hand turn for Route 561 towards Lynch, which is marked by the presence of the local Animal Hospital. 

5. TURNER’S CREEK / SASSAFRAS RIVER

July 31, 2010

Paddle Description:

Come visit one of the major gateways to the newly established Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Water Trail and follow in the wake of Smith's epic 1608 exploration of the Sassafras River. This portion of the lower Sassafras - widely regarded as one of the most scenic tributaries on the upper Chesapeake - is characterized by sandy beaches, high bluffs, bald eagle nests, and numerous creeks and inlets waiting to be explored. Learn about Smith's fascinating interactions with the Tockwogh Indians while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

 Driving Directions:

From Washington, Baltimore, and Annapolis: Take Route 50 East over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.  Follow Route 50 over Kent Island to the Rt. 50/301 split.  At the split, bear left onto 301 North.  Take 301 North to the exit for 213 North/Centreville.  Take the second exit ramp onto 213 North.  Follow 213 North for approximately 15 miles to Chestertown.  After crossing the Chester River Bridge, stay on Route 213 North through Chestertown for approximately 10 miles.  Turn left onto Route 298.  Follow Route 298 approximately 1.5 miles.  Turn right onto Turners Creek Road.  The public landing is ahead at the end of the road. 

From Points South (Easton, Salisbury): Take Route 50 West, past Easton, to the traffic light across from Chesapeake College.  Turn right at the light onto Route 213 North towards Centreville.  Take 213 for about 20 miles to the Chester River Bridge.  Go over the bridge and into Chestertown.  After crossing the Chester River Bridge, stay on Route 213 North through Chestertown for approximately 10 miles.  Turn left onto Route 298.  Follow Route 298 approximately 1.5 miles.  Turn right onto Turners Creek Road.  The public landing is ahead at the end of the road. 

From Philadelphia and Points North: Take I-95 South to Delaware exit 1A (Middletown).  Follow Route 896 South until it turns into Route 301 South.  Get off at the Chestertown/Galena exit (Route 290).  At the traffic light in Galena, go straight - the road becomes Route 213 South.  Follow 213 South approximately 5.5 miles to the intersection of Route 298.  Turn right onto Route 298.  Follow Route 298 approximately 1.5 miles.  Turn right onto Turners Creek Road.  The public landing is ahead at the end of the road. 

 6.  BROADNECK / CHESTER RIVER

August 28, 2010

Paddle Description:

 Broadneck is a little-known public landing located on the east branch of Langford Creek, one of the most scenic tributaries of the lower Chester River.  The area is home to some of Kent County’s oldest and most majestic farms, and the waterway is characterized by tree-lined shorelines and soft marsh edges.  Participants may explore the sandy beaches of Cacaway Island, visit some of the pristine tidal creeks that wind off the main stem of Langford, and explore areas formerly inhabited by Native American communities.  This is also a great place to see bald eagles, ospreys, and blue herons.

Driving Directions:

 From Points North:  Take Route 213 South into Chestertown.  At the second stoplight, turn right onto Morgnec Road/MD 291.  At the bottom of the hill, veer right onto High Street/MD Route 20.  Travel approximately 2.5 miles and turn left onto Broadneck Road/MD 446 towards Langford.  Travel approximately 7 miles until Broadneck Road dead-ends at the landing.

 From Points South:  Take Route 213 North into Chestertown.  After crossing the Chester River Bridge, turn left at the first stop light onto Cross Street.  Travel on Cross Street for one block to the stop light and turn right onto High Street.  Stay on High Street for approximately 3 miles (this takes you out of Chestertown, and the road eventually becomes Route 20) and turn left onto Broadneck Road/MD 446 towards Langford.  Travel approximately 7 miles until Broadneck Road dead-ends at the landing.

 From Points West:  Take Route 50 East over the Bay Bridge and Kent Narrows Bridge.  At the Route 50/Route 301 split, veer left onto Route 301 North.  After the split, travel approximately 5.6 miles to the exit for Route 213 North/Centreville (the second exit ramp).  Veer right onto 213 North and travel for approximately 20 miles into Chestertown.  After crossing the Chester River Bridge, turn left at the first stop light onto Cross Street.  Travel on Cross Street for one block to the stop light and turn right onto High Street.  Stay on High Street for approximately 3 miles (this takes you out of Chestertown, and the road eventually becomes Route 20) and turn left onto Broadneck Road/MD 446 towards Langford.  Travel approximately 7 miles until Broadneck Road dead-ends at the landing.

 From Points East:  Take Route 301 South to its intersection with Route 213 North/Centreville.  Turn right onto Route 213 North.  Take Route 213 North for approximately 20 miles into Chestertown.  After crossing the Chester River Bridge, turn left at the first stop light onto Cross Street.  Travel on Cross Street for one block to the stop light and turn right onto High Street.  Stay on High Street for approximately 3 miles (this takes you out of Chestertown, and the road eventually becomes Route 20) and turn left onto Broadneck Road/MD 446 towards Langford.  Travel approximately 7 miles until Broadneck Road dead-ends at the landing.

7. SOUTHEAST CREEK / CHESTER RIVER

September 11, 2010

Paddle Description:

 Southeast Creek is a major tributary of the Chester River located in Queen Anne’s County, approximately five miles south of Chestertown.  The paddle begins in shallow, open water characterized by forested shorelines and large farms.  The tributary soon narrows, and participants will find themselves winding through tidal fresh water marshes lined on either side by cattails, arrow arum, and pickerel weed.  This is a great place to see wildlife, including muskrats, bald eagles, and ospreys.  The relative lack of water depth makes this a tributary that can only be seen from the seat of your canoe.

 Driving Directions:

 From Points North:  Take Route 213 South towards Chestertown.  After passing through Chestertown, travel approximately 7 miles and turn right onto Southeast Creek Road.  In approximately 2.4 miles Southeast Creek Road dead-ends at Southeast Creek Public Landing.

 From Points South:  Take Route 50 West to its intersection with Route 213 at Chesapeake College.  Turn right onto Route 213 North.  Drive through Centreville and continue approximately 7.5 miles towards the town of Church Hill.  Just prior to reaching Church Hill, turn left onto Southeast Creek Road.  In approximately 2.4 miles Southeast Creek Road dead-ends at Southeast Creek Public Landing.

 From Points West:  Take Route 50 East over the Bay Bridge and Kent Narrows Bridge.  At the Route 50/Route 301 split, veer left onto Route 301 North.  After the split, travel approximately 5.6 miles to the exit for Route 213 North/Centreville (the second exit ramp).  Drive through Centreville and continue approximately 7.5 miles towards the town of Church Hill.  Just prior to reaching Church Hill, turn left onto Southeast Creek Road.  In approximately 2.4 miles Southeast Creek Road dead-ends at Southeast Creek Public Landing.

 From Points East:  Take Route 301 South to its intersection with Route 213 North/Centreville.  Turn right onto Route 213 North.  Drive through Centreville and continue approximately 7.5 miles towards the town of Church Hill.  Just prior to reaching Church Hill, turn left onto Southeast Creek Road.  In approximately 2.4 miles Southeast Creek Road dead-ends at Southeast Creek Public Landing.

8. WILMER PARK / CHESTER RIVER

September 25, 2010

Paddle Description:

Starting at Wilmer Park in historic Chestertown, this paddle takes you up Radcliffe Creek, a major tributary of the Chester River and one of the most important waterways in the history of this charming Eastern Shore community.  While the Creek no longer bustles with busy landings as it did throughout the 17^th and 18^th centuries, it has retained its majestic tidewater scenery and is home to an abundance of wetland plants and wildlife.  The wetlands are inhabited by a variety of native species such as cattails, arrow arum, marsh hibiscus, pickerel weed, and wild rice.  The marshes also provide habitat for a wide variety of animals including ducks, muskrats, beavers, river otters, frogs, turtles, eagles, ospreys, and kingfishers.

 Driving Directions:

From Wasington, Baltimore, and Annapolis :  Take Route 50 East over the Bay Bridge and proceed over Kent Island to the Route 50/301 split.  At this junction, bear left onto Route 301 North.  Follow Route 301 North for approximately six miles to the exit for Route 213 North (take the second exit ramp, towards Centreville).  Follow Route 213 North for approximately 20 miles to Chestertown.  After crossing the Chester River Bridge, take a left at the first stoplight onto Cross Street.  Take Cross Street through one stop light and continue out of town until you see the sign for Wilmer Park on the left hand side of the road.  Turn left and park in the parking lot, where a Sultana Projects staff member will be there to greet you.

From points south :  Take Route 50 west to the stoplight at Chesapeake College.  Turn right onto Route 213 North and proceed approximately 20 miles to Chestertown.  After crossing the Chester River Bridge, take a left at the first stoplight onto Cross Street.  At this point, follow the directions in italics above.

From points north :  Take I-95 South to Delaware exit 1A (Middletown).  Follow Route 896 South until it turns into Route 301 South.  Get off at the Chestertown/Galena exit (Route 290).  At the traffic light in Galena, go straight - the road becomes Route 213 South. Stay on Route 213 South for approximately 15 miles into Chestertown.  Go through downtown Chestertown (passing Washington College on the right) to the seventh stop light at the intersection of Route 213 and Cross Street (the Chestertown Visitors Center will be to your right).  Turn right onto Cross Street.  At this point, follow the directions in italics above.

9. FOXHOLE ROAD / SASSAFRAS RIVER

October 9, 2010

Paddle Description:

Travel to the fall line of the Sassafras River while viewing undeveloped shorelines and a variety of wetland habitats. The upper Sassafras is as peaceful as it is scenic, and is only accessible by canoe and kayak. The route is lined with osprey nests, centuries-old farms and forested shorelines. During the voyage Sultana Projects' guide will inform participants about the Tockwogh Indians first recorded by Captain John Smith during his voyage on the Sassafras River in 1608.

Driving Directions:

 From Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis: Take Route 50 East over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.  Follow Route 50 over Kent Island to the Rt. 50/301 split.  At the split, bear left onto 301 North.  Take 301 North to the exit for 213 North/Centreville.  Take the second exit ramp onto 213 North.  Follow 213 North for approximately 15 miles into Chestertown.  After crossing the Chester River Bridge, stay on Route 213 North through Chestertown for another 15 miles.  In Galena, go straight at stop light and follow Route 290 North for approximately 5 miles.  Turn left onto Foxhole Road.  Public landing is at the end of Foxhole Road.

From Points South (Easton, Salisbury): Take Route 50 West, past Easton, to the traffic light across from Chesapeake College.  Turn right at the light onto Route 213 North towards Centreville.  Take 213 North for about 20 miles to the Chester River Bridge.  After crossing the Chester River Bridge, stay on Route 213 North through Chestertown for another 15 miles.  In Galena, go straight at stop light and follow Route 290 North for approximately 5 miles.  Turn left onto Foxhole Road.  Public landing is at the end of Foxhole Road.

From Philadelphia and Points North: Take I-95 South to Delaware exit 1A (Middletown).  Follow Route 896 South until it turns into Route 301 South.  Get off at the Chestertown/Galena exit (Route 290).  Turn right at end of ramp onto Route 290.  Make first right onto Foxhole Road (very quickly after turning off of Route 301 ramp).  Public landing is at the end of Foxhole Road. 

10. SHADDING REACH/ CHESTER  RIVER

October 23, 2010

Paddle Description:

 This landing is located on the upper reaches of the mighty Chester River.  The paddle is characterized by wooded shorelines, tannin-stained fresh tidal water, and quiet swamps lining the edges.  The landing gets its name from bygone days when the upper River was frequented every spring by great runs of river herring and American shad.  Today, this stretch of the Chester is home to bald eagle nests, ospreys, kingfishers, green and blue herons, whitetail deer, and small marshy islands.  This is a section of the Chester that few people ever explore.  

 Driving Directions:

 From Chestertown:  Take Route 213 North to its intersection with Morgnec Road/MD 291.  Turn right onto MD 291 towards Millington.  Travel approximately 10 miles and turn right onto Shadding Reach Road.  Follow this road for approximately 1 mile until it dead-ends at the Chester River.

 From Points South and West:  Take Route 301 North towards Millington.  As you approach Millington, take the exit for Route 291 West towards Chestertown.  Travel approximately 1.5 miles and turn left onto Shadding Reach Road.  Follow this road approximately 1 mile until it dead-ends at the Chester River.

 From Points North:  Take Route 301 South towards Millington.  Approaching Millington, take the exit for Route 291 West towards Chestertown.  Travel approximately 1.5 miles and turn left onto Shadding Reach Road.  Follow this road approximately 1 mile until it dead-ends at the Chester River.