Getting a Canoe

[Just5Guy]

So, in a compromise on how to spend tax return money, my wife and I decided to get a canoe. We've been canoeing quite a bit before and really enjoy it, and so did my son, but we always have to rent one. It will be nice to be able to take it out on our own without time limits.

My question is...does anyone know any good public launches in the area that would be safe enough to take a 2 year old and a 6 month old out on the water? I know some good launches on the bay, but I won't be taking the kids and wife out on the bay in a 16 foot canoe, at least not right now.

 

[Proline Fisher]

Truxton Park would be nice, its in Annapolis on Spa creek. Not sure I would venture to far from the ramp with kids that small. Also check out the patuxent wildlife refuge, I think you can put a canoe in lake cash

 

[TopTechAgent]

Centennial park in Howard County has a public dock and a nice place for the kids to enjoy.

 

[willy]

I would hug the shore with ones so little, never know what could happen. I just started taking the boys to liberty and they are 7 and 10, and that canoe gets a rockin. Piney Run is also a good time.

 

[adit]

Centennial park in Howard County has a public dock and a nice place for the kids to enjoy.

Just get out before it gets anywhere near dark.

 

[Just5Guy]

We've done Centennial and Patuxent...in fact, my son was with us for Patuxent, it was a good setting for him. They are both good one's, I just didn't know if there were any I was missing.

My son actually fell in when we were at Patuxent, he was leaning over the edge, but I had him by the lifejacket so I was able to pull him back in the boat almost before he hit the water.

In fact, here's a picture right after...he was 13 months when this picture was taken.

 

[BeoBill]

Jug Bay in PG County would be perfect for you.

 

[Just5Guy]

Jug Bay in PG County would be perfect for you.

Jug Bay looks good, will check it out. Thanks.

 

[bigb201]

Patuxent ponds, quiet waters park, cash lake, rocky gorge, pretty boy,

 

[ToBeFree]

My vote

Patuxent ponds, quiet waters park, cash lake, rocky gorge, pretty boy,

If your not to far - good fishing as well
watershed usage permit required.

 

[Just5Guy]

I haven't been out on the water at Quiet Waters, but I enjoy the park...and Prettyboy is awesome. Took my wife down to the bottom of the dam before we had kids, forgot about that one as a good place to canoe, thanks!

 

[remrug]

I haven't been out on the water at Quiet Waters, but I enjoy the park...and Prettyboy is awesome. Took my wife down to the bottom of the dam before we had kids, forgot about that one as a good place to canoe, thanks!

You will need a permit for Prettyboy.If you do get one,you can only use your boat in Prettyboy,Liberty and Loch Raven.You can thank your friendly zebra mussels for that rule

 

[plumberone]

My .02 cents

I wouldn't take young children to Prettyboy, in a canoe. It's not to far from the ramp where the water is 70' deep.Deep water,cold water and no room for error.

 

[ProShooter]

I'm still waiting on my new canoe from Bass Pro. Every time it comes in, its broken.

 

[StanW]

Wye Island shouldn't be too far, although on the other side of the bridge. I got the wife started there in a kayak.

 

[shaddydan]

Just be careful taking your gun collection out on the canoe

 

[budman93]

I don't know any in your area but the stretch of the Potomac between Harper's Ferry and point of rocks is a lot of fun. A fairly easy rapid at first and then mostly easy cruising from there on with plenty of great spots to stop and swim.

 

[nedsurf]

I second the recommendations for Quiet Waters, Truxton, Jug bay and other quiet areas of the Patuxent water trail. AA county has this website that shows their cartop launch sites.http://www.aacounty.org/RecParks/launch/index.cfm#.UxVS7qm3CK0

Blackwater NWR and Janes Island SP have good canoe/kayak trails marked. Assateague also has water trails but they expose one to large fetches of water and wind making for good size waves for a canoe.

For safety for little ones, I wait until the water and air temp combined are 140 degrees or warmer. Example: 65 degree water and 75 degree air temp. For adults only paddle trips, I lower that rule to 120 degrees without being fully equipped with cold weather gear.

I'm actually shopping now for another PFD to fit my boy for this summer. Gets me thinking of all the fun to come soon!

 

[budman93]

I Assateague also has water trails but they expose one to large fetches of water and wind making for good size waves for a canoe.

The bay side of Assateague is easy canoeing. The water is calm and shallow if you stay near the islands. There is usually a stiff breeze but that is good because if you get into any of the sheltered marshy areas along shore the mosquitoes will eat you alive.

 

[HoldFast]

Prettyboy is really nice, permit is a worthwhile hassle.