When it’s just too hot for running or biking, it may be time to hit another kind of trail.
The Eastern Shore offers miles and miles of trails for paddleboarding and kayaking through its scenic waterways.
Paddling is a fantastic yet low impact workout that also lets you see nature and wildlife as you can only see it from the water.
Before exploring, safety first. Always let someone know where you are paddling and grab an airtight pouch for your phone.
A drink and a snack are always helpful because even a quick paddle requires a good amount of energy!
If you are just beginning or only get out a few times a year, watch a quick video online to brush up on the angle of your paddle and the best stance to help you paddle more efficiently.
Check any small craft advisories before you go – the storms sure can pop up on the shore!
When you are ready to set afloat, find water with an easy ramp zone and a calm water without a lot of wake from boaters.
A good place to look is state and privately funded parks or Bay-oriented organizations who offer nature rich trails both in and around the waters, highlighting the bounty of the Bay.
Many parks have rules about paddling after sunrise and returning before sunset and other location specific guidelines, so be sure to check before you go.
The Sultana Foundation focuses their guided tours on Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trails, as designated by the National Park Service.
While you may think of Bald Cypress trees in more southern climates, they do pop up in swampy areas here in Maryland and Delaware, like Records Pond.
Their foliage is a popular spot for bald eagles and ospreys to nest, while wood ducks and barred owls prefer to make a home in its trunk.
Sultana has a cruise down the Sassafras River as well, to highlight America’s largest Native flower, the American Lotus.
Beavers and muskrats like to feast on them, so be on the lookout for furry friends too.
Another noteworthy expedition of theirs is paddling through the remnants of Native American settlements along the Still Pond Creek.
Near Easton, Pickering Creek often does small group paddles throughout the seasons, concentrating on seasonal topics or catching a special moon phase.
You can use their canoes while a staff member points out ospreys, barn swallows and herons, living their best serene life and maybe even fishing for dinner.
The riverkeepers for ShoreRivers also lead free paddling tours, made possible by National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways Program and the Chesapeake Bay Trust. Riverkeepers throughout the region will share in depth knowledge of the waterways and their ties to community and economy, covering the Miles-Wye area, Sassafras, Choptank and more.
Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center in Grasonville offers affordable $20 all day rentals of kayaks or paddleboards, where paddlers often report spotting cownose stingrays and silversides in CBEC’s area of Marshy Creek. On the shoreline, you can also catch a glimpse of river otters and muskrat.
You can try a guided or moonlight paddle to see the waterway in a whole new light.
The enormous Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge offers 17 miles of trails to paddle.
If that seems overwhelming, reach out to Blackwater Adventures, who are set up in Dorchester county at both the Chesapeake Hyatt and the Refuge.
Both the Shoals Creek and Blackwater areas are perfect spots to take in seemingly limitless varieties of waterfowl and other birds of the bay, like Osprey and Bald Eagles.
Blackwater also offers a tour of Layton’s Chance Winery in Vienna, where paddlers can go down the Chicamacomico River before tasting some shore grown wine as well as a sunset tour around the Choptank River lighthouse.
Wherever you chose to go, you’ll quickly discover a smaller slow moving vessel is the perfect way to cruise for critters and plants you won’t see in your garden at home!
Take in the color of Pickerelweed, with heart shaped leaves and bright blue flowers, named for its fish fan, the Pike, and Jewelweed, the orange and yellow pollinator powerhouse.
Pull up close and watch the butterflies and dragonflies scutter around.
You’ll also be able to glide through shallow waters and see all that lies closely beneath.
Peek for crabs hiding in the eelgrass below, or look a little further below at the similar looking wild celery.
Once you become a confident paddler, take the show on the road. Going camping? Pack up the paddleboards and kayaks when visiting campgrounds.
Many times these are specifically for beginners and make great spots to take the kids out. Some favorites of our family have been
Chincoteague or Topping Virginia. Both are good spots for casual paddleboard fishing as well!
Even if you can’t fit in more than a day away, scope out parks just a little farther away to see what other trailways have to hold.
You’d be surprised at how just a few hours away can lead to a fresh adventure.
Don’t be afraid to take the trail less paddled!