--- PADDLING AND TUBING THE GUNPOWDER ---

The Gunpowder River is for water lovers. If you drink Baltimore water, theRiver provides most of our good clean water. If you kayak, canoe, or tube,it is a source for good, clean fun.

My favorite section is from below Prettyboy Reservoir to Phoenix Road.The scenery here is similar to the rivers in Western Maryland. The Rivertumbles through the narrow, wooded gorge with a nice steady current and,twists and turns in the river. The consistent flow is due to releases fromPrettyboy Reservoir. However, the released water is from the bottom of theReservoir and is cold, so do not plan on lengthy swims.

An added feature to this section of the River is that it parallels the NorthCentral Rail Trail, so that you do not need a two car shuttle. You are ableto drop your boat off, and bike back.

Assuming, we will have some unbearable hot summer days, this is theplace to be. It is shaded and the cold water provides nature’s best airconditioning. The access points are Masemore Road off of Md. 137, YorkRoad (Md. 45) where it crosses the Gunpowder (north of Hereford HighSchool); Big Falls and Blue Mount Roads; Monkton, where Md. 138crosses the river and the location of the Ranger Station; and the roadsleading east from York Road-Corbett, Upper and Lower Glencoe, Sparksand Phoenix.

Have Fun!

Contact: Gunpowder Falls State Park, 410-592-2897 www.dnr.state.md.us/outdooradventures/canoegunpowder.html.