The Monocacy River near Frederick, MD, is the largest river that feeds the Potomac in Maryland. It is also a scenic river, popular for recreation, and kayaking the Monocacy River is one of the best outdoor experiences in Frederick.
An established Monocacy Scenic Water Trail makes it easy to access the river and plan a Monocacy River kayaking adventure.
In this post, we report on the recent kayak trip Nicole and I took on the upper section of the Monocacy Scenic Water Trail and tell you what you need to know if you want to enjoy it.
Kayak the Monocacy Scenic Water Trail
Nicole and Glenn Kayak the Monocacy Scenic Water Trail
Watch this video on the EpicFredrick YouTube Channel, for a report on our trip on the stretch of the Monocacy Water Trail from Devilbiss Bridget to Links Bridge and back. This was about a 2 hour paddle upstream, and 1 hour paddle back.
Monocacy Scenic Water Trail - Basic
The Monocacy Scenic Water Trail travels 41.8 starting at Rocky Ridge Soft Access on Maryland Route 77, about 25 minutes north of Frederick. The trail spans 3 sections ending south of Frederick at the Monocacy Boat Ramp on the C&O Canal near the mouth of the Potomac.
- Frederick County Parks and Rec Info Site
- River Access Map
- Frederick Count Gov Info Sheet
- Check Water Levels at USGS Site
- National Park Services Info Site
Sections of the Monocacy Scenic Water Trail
The trail is broken into 3 main sections:
- Section 1: Rocky Ridge Soft Access to Devilsbiss
- Section 2: Devilbiss to Gambill Mill
- Section 3: Gambill Mill to Monocacy Boat Ramp
Section 1 is generally consider the most remote, calm, and scenic.
Accessing the River and Paddling the Trail
There are multiple access points to the river. See links to the maps above. Our preferred place to enter the river is the Devilbiss Bridge.
Here there is a small parking lot, and easy trail down to the river. The river is calm here and a straightforward place to enter the river.
On most days, the river in section 1 is calm enough to travel upstream via paddle. You may have to stop a certain spots to walk your kayak where the water is shallow or current too strong. You can then paddle back to where you started.
Things to Remember Before Kayaking the Monocacy
Some things to consider before kayaking the Monocacy River:
- Check water levels using the USGS site above or this NOAA site
- It’s mandatory to water a life jacket
- Bug Repellant and Sunscreen
- A Dry Sack or something to protect your phone
Need to Rent a Kayak, Tube, or Canoe to Float the Monocacy?
Nicole and I have our own kayaks that she bought at Sierra. We easily transport them in our pick up.
If you want to enjoy kayaking or floating the Monocacy in a tube, you can do this with an outfitter who rents.
River Island Outfitters is located 20 minutes south of Frederick in Dickerson, MD. They offer two-hour tube floats in the lower section of the Monocacy and kayak rentals.
Recommended Post Kayak Venue
You deserve a reward if you just spent a few hours paddling the Monocacy River. Luckily, there are several great breweries in Frederick you can it up afterward.
If you need a recommendation, go where we went after our recent kayak trip: Attaboy Brewery right on Carroll Creek.
Outdoor Activities In and Around Frederick, MD
