Jug Bay Paddle-A-Thon

Put your paddling skills to the test this summer by joining Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary and Patuxent River Park for a paddle on the Patuxent River, Maryland’s longest and most beautiful river. The Patuxent River Paddle-A-Thon provides two paddle opportunities: 4.2 and 11 mile paddles. Paddlers are encouraged to bring their own gear, however, there are a limited number of kayaks, paddleboards (short paddle only), paddles, and PFD’s (personal floatation device) for rent. See below.

11 mile paddle
Queen Anne Canoe Launch (QACL)
18405 Queen Anne Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
For experienced paddlers. This paddle begins at QACL, a beautiful area on the river where the river is fairly narrow, tree lined, and protected. This public car-top boat launch has a small floating dock and is stop #52 on the Patuxent River Water Trail. This means it is 52 miles from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. This section of the river is still influenced by the tide, but goes with the current and is usually a calm paddle with little other boat traffic. Once you are south of Patuxent River Park (Patuxent River Water Trail stop #47) and MD Rt 4 overpass, the river begins to widen and reveals beautiful wetlands. This section of the river can expose paddlers to wind and stronger river conditions, if they exist. Enjoy a rest stop at Mt Calvert Historical & Archaeological Park (Patuxent River Water Trail #44) and treat yourself to a spectacular view of the river and wetlands from the historic house. You will continue down the river about another 3 miles to the finish at Emory Waters Nature Preserve (EWNP). Enjoy an after party with food, drinks, music, and games.
See https://jugbay.org/paddleathon/ for more information.

REGISTRATION: Now – May 30, 2022 (11:55 pm)
$75 Registration with personal equipment
$95 Registration with kayak, paddle, PFD rental

4.2 mile paddle
Jug Bay Emory Waters Nature Preserve (EWNP)
6032 Pindell Road
Lothian, MD 20711
For newer paddlers. This paddle begins and ends at EWNP. This non-public boat launch has a small floating pier and a small ramp and is #41 on the Patuxent River Water Trail. This means it is approximately 41 miles from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. This section of the river is wider and can expose paddlers to wind and stronger river conditions, if they exist. Enjoy the many birds and flowering wetlands you will see in this lovely section of the river. A left turn into Western Branch will reveal the rest stop at Mt Calvert Historical & Archaeological Park (Patuxent River Water Trail #44). Treat yourself to a spectacular view of the river and wetlands from the historic house. You will retrace your paddle back to EWNP to enjoy an after party with food, drinks, music, and games.
See https://jugbay.org/paddleathon/ for more information.

REGISTRATION: Now – May 30, 2022 (11:55 pm)
$65 Registration with personal equipment
$85 Registration with kayak, paddle, PFD rental

There is a limited number of after party tickets available for $25 per person.

ALL REGISTRATION CLOSES: May 30, 2022 (11:55 pm)

Paddlers must properly wear a US Coast Guard approved PFD, in good working order, at all times while on the water and on piers. The Patuxent River is a relatively slow-moving river, but paddlers must be able to propel the boat/board through the water and:
• Independently participate in all activities while maintaining an appropriate and safe body position.
• Manage all personal care and personal mobility independently.
• Effectively communicate with leaders and other participants.
Bring a reusable water bottle with plenty of water, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, extra snacks, extra set of dry clothes, and close toed shoes that can get wet.
Paddlers must be 18 and older. Registration and current health guidelines are required
For more information including safety and logistics, visit https://jugbay.org/paddleathon/