June 8, 2024 6 am - 5 pm
Put your paddling skills to the test this summer by joining Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Patuxent River Park and Friends of Jug Bay for an 11 mile paddle down the Patuxent River, the longest river that flows entirely within Maryland.
Registration Opens March 1, 2024
11 Mile Paddle
Queen Anne Canoe Launch (QACL)
18405 Queen Anne Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
For strong, intermediate or experienced paddlers. This paddle begins at QACL, a beautiful area on the river where the river is 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 Wetland 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 3 miles to the finish at Emory Waters Nature Preserve (EWNP). Enjoy an after party with food, drinks, and games.
Bad weather date is Saturday June 15th. Paddlers must keep both dates free. There will be no refunds if the bad weather date is utilized.
Time: Approximately 5-6 hours to complete, depending on river conditions.
Rentals: Equipment is limited, first come first serve
Registration: Opens March 1, 2024
$75 Registration using personal kayak equipment
$100 Rental registration with kayak, PFD, & paddle
$100 Registration using personal canoe equipment - for 2 people
$125 Rental registration with 1 canoe, 2 PFD's & 2 paddles - for 2 people
***No refunds after May 25, 2024** Bad weather date is Saturday June 15th. Paddlers must keep both dates free. There will be no refunds if the bad weather date is utilized. Refunds will be issued if there is bad weather on both dates and the program is cancelled.
Schedule
All rental equipment will be at the launch site at QACL.
June 8, 2024
6:00 am Drop personal gear at Queen Anne's Canoe Launch (QACL), located at 18405 Queen Anne Road, Upper Marlboro, MD. Drive to check at EWNP, approximately 25 minutes.
6:30 - 7:30 am: Check in at EWNP (6032 Pindell Road, Lothian, MD 20711). Go through the driveway gate, drive about 1 mile and look for a parking attendant.
7:30 am: Shuttles leave for paddle start location at QACL. Shuttle ride is approximately 25 minutes. Cars are left at EWNP for easy access at the end of the paddle. Depending on registration numbers, there may be more than one shuttle trip. Times may require adjustment.
8:00 - 9:00 am: Safety paddle instruction & boat launch.
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Enjoy the After Party.
3:00 pm: All paddlers must be finished the 11 mile paddle and at EWNP by 3 pm.
Tides for June 8, 2024:
LOW 12:13 AM → HIGH 7:06 AM → LOW 2:47 PM → HIGH 7:21 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 and muddy.
Paddlers must be 18 and older. Registration required.
All proceeds benefit the Friends of Jug Bay Canoe & Kayak Education program.
The After Party!
Paddling not your thing? Join your paddling friends and family riverside for the After Party, at Emory Waters Nature Preserve (6032 Pindell Road, Lothian, MD 20711). The after party is 2 - 5 pm. After Party guests may enter as early as 1 pm. Hamburger/hot dog or vegetarian option, chips and a cookie are included with your ticket price. Live music will be provided by The Barn Owls, a local band featuring many Recreation & Parks staff members playing rock hits from the past and present!
After Party tickets only are $25 per person.
*Registration closes and no refunds after May 31st.*
Enjoy a beautiful view of the Patuxent River.