RiverPalooza: Upper Potomac Paddle

Paddle trips on the Potomac River, a few miles downriver from Harpers Ferry, are a perfect getaway and only one hour from DC and Baltimore beltways. Launch from Brunswick Campground in Brunswick, Maryland, just 15 minutes from Harpers Ferry, WV.

This 5.5 mile section of the Potomac River has been described in National Park literature as, “one of the most beautiful stretches of navigable waterways in the mid-Atlantic.” Visit sand and gravel beaches, wade or go for a swim, and explore the Catoctin Creek tributary as water levels permit.

Enjoy watching the eagles soar above and spotting the many other birds that call this area home.  All ages will enjoy exploring on this Potomac River paddling trip.

River islands with shell, rock, or sandy beaches are available for stopping and relaxing.  Beach your kayaks or canoes on Eagle Island or elsewhere to wade in the water, relax, and enjoy refreshments as you bask in the sun or shade.  Native American fish traps are a treasure resting on the bottom of the Potomac River and can be seen from aerial photos.   Bring your fishing pole for small mouth bass and catfish found on this kayaking rental near Harpers Ferry in Brunswick, Maryland.  

As a bonus, the meet-up location is at the Brunswick Family Campground! This is a great opportunity to relax on the grounds after our paddle. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience!

TRIP Details

Lead Riverkeeper: Brent Walls – 443-480-8970 or

Arrival Location:

Brunswick Family Campground
301-834-9950
40 Canal Road
Brunswick, MD 21716

Arrival & Check-in Time: 11:30am
Shuttle to Put-In: 12 noon
Paddle Level: Beginner
Minimum age requirement: 12 years old & 90 lbs.

Pricing:

• Kayak: $100
• BYOB: $75 (Canoe or Kayak)

Included with each registration:

• Qualified Instructors
• Single Rental Kayak/ Canoe
• Paddles
• Paddle insurance
• Personal flotation device for the day (with rental)
• PRKN Clean Water Act 50th anniversary commemorative t-shirt
• one -year PRKN membership to support the Shenandoah Riverkeeper and clean water

How to Register

A waiver must be signed online (in advance) for you to be registered:

• Outfitter waiver – Participant Rental waiver (print and bring in person)

Also to do in advance:

• Read Paddle Rules

What to Bring:

• Wear proper footwear. NO FLIP-FLOPS. Old gym shoes, sandals with a strap, and water shoes work great
• Sunscreen, hat, and rain gear
• Snacks and drinking water (no glass bottles)
• Change of clothes
• Dry Bag or Waterproof Container (if you bring a phone or a non-waterproof camera, you need a way to protect it)

Tag us in your paddle trips on 

#RiverPalooza2024