|
River
|
County
|
Reach
|
Length (miles)
|
Year Listed/ Updated
|
Potential Classification
|
ORVs
|
Description
|
Other States
|
| Antietam Creek |
Washington |
Confluence
with Potomac River to Balls Road Crossing |
16
|
1982
|
|
H |
Historic-(Segment includes National Historic Register Site
of Antietam Battlefield.) |
|
| Battle Creek |
Calvert |
Confluence
with the Patuxent River to north of Route 506 |
20
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
|
| Big Annemessex
River |
Somerset |
Confluence
with the Chesapeake Bay to Route 413 |
10
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
Part of the
Chesapeake Bay-Rivers System.
General-(The Chesapeake Bay-Rivers
System is an excellent example of undeveloped rivers in a
regionally unique estuarine area. The area in total is composed
of several distinct subareas which in combination form a highly
exemplary, productive and important river mouth estuarine
system. The area is the most significant of 16 similar identified
areas in the northeast.)
Hydrologic-(System includes the
largest bay and drowned river valley in the region. Circulation
in the bay is controlled primarily by river flow and the resultant
impact affects many of the organisms of the area. The area
is over 195 miles long and 303 miles wide. Only 14 of the
50 major rivers which enter the bay are relatively undeveloped.)
Botanic-(The system includes such
river-related areas as the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, a registered
National Natural Landmark.)
Fish-(The System is one of the most
famous and productive seafood producing areas in the world.)
Wildlife-(A significant part of
the area is the focal point of the Atlantic flyway for migratory
waterfowl, and about 30 species of ducks, geese, and swans
concentrate there in winter.)
Recreation-(The area has long been
one of the most important and highly valued recreational fishing
areas in the nation. The water of the Bay and its tributary
river systems abound with a large number of fin fish-over
200 species-, including herring, shad, alewife, menbacker,
white and yellow perch, etc. The System is accessible and
in close proximity to high concentrations of urban populations
in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C.)
|
|
| Big Gunpowder
Falls |
Baltimore |
Bel Air Road
to Harford Road |
4
|
1982
|
|
O |
Botanic-(Segment
includes an excellent and significant example of mature upland
hardwood forest.) |
|
| Big Gunpowder
Falls |
Baltimore |
Loch Raven
Reservoir to Prettyboy Reservoir |
14
|
1982
|
|
R |
Recreation-(Segment includes six miles of the North Central
Trail, one of nine "Rails to Trails" projects approved nationwide.) |
|
| Blackwater
River |
Dorchester |
Confluence
with the Chesapeake Bay (Fishing Bay) to headwaters |
28
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
|
| Bohemia River |
Cecil |
Confluence
with Elk River to Bohemia Mills |
8
|
1982
|
|
R, H |
Historic-(Headwaters are the site of a colonial settlement
including a National Historic Register Site of Old Bohemia Church.)
Recreation-(Northernmost anchorage
in the Chesapeake Bay for recreational sailing and boating
in a natural, relatively undeveloped setting. In close proximity
to urban populations at Newark, Wilmington and Baltimore.)
|
|
| Buckledge
Branch |
Montgomery |
Confluence
with Seneca Creek to headwaters |
5
|
1982
|
|
H |
See Seneca
Creek comments. |
|
| Catoctin Creek |
Frederick |
Confluence
with the Potomac River to headwaters |
30
|
1982
|
|
S, O |
See Potomac
River (segment from Monocacy River aqueduct to R.R. yard at
Brunswick) comments. |
|
| Chester River |
Kent, Queen
Annes |
Confluence
with the Chesapeake Bay (Narrows) to Chestertown |
25
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
comments. |
|
| Chicamacomico
River |
Dorchester |
Confluence
with the Transquaking River to Big Millpond Dam |
12
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
|
| Choptank River |
Caroline,
Talbot, Dorchester |
Confluence
with the Chesapeake Bay (Chancellor Point) to south of Denton |
32
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
|
| Choptank River |
Caroline |
Denton to
Greensboro |
8
|
1982
|
|
H |
Historic-(Segment includes three National Historic Register
Sites.) |
|
| Choptank River |
Caroline |
Greensboro
to headwaters of Tidy Island Creek at Marydel |
16
|
1982
|
|
H, O |
Botanic-(76%
of the segment is an extensive undeveloped freshwater river
swamp in a predominantly agricultural region.)
Archeologic-(Within corridor is
the site of a buried forest estimated at 9,000 to 10,000 years
of age which is believed to be the earliest appearance of
Pleistocene oak forest in this region.)
Historic-(Willow Grove, in the vicinity
of Greensboro is on the National Register of Historic Places.)
|
DE
|
| Conococheague
Creek |
Washington |
Above Conococheague
to Pennsylvania state line |
15
|
1982
|
|
C |
Cultural-(Segment includes an exceptional density and diversity
of stone arch bridges.) |
|
| Cow Marsh
Creek |
Kent |
Confluence
with Choptank River to northeast of Petersburg |
4
|
1982
|
|
H, O |
Botanic-(76%
of the segment is an extensive undeveloped freshwater river
swamp in a predominantly agricultural region.)
Archeologic-(Within corridor is
the site of a buried forest estimated at 9,000 to 10,000 years
of age which is believed to be the earliest appearance of
Pleistocene oak forest in this region.)
Historic-(Willow Grove, in the vicinity
of Greensboro is on the National Register of Historic Places.)
|
DE
|
| Deer Creek |
Harford, Baltimore |
Susquehanna
River to headwaters |
43
|
1982
|
|
G, O |
Fish-(Habitat
for rare and endangered Maryland darter.)
Geologic-(Gorges rate to the section
at Rocks State Park and east of Forge Hill Road.)
Hydrologic-(Unique, sparsely developed,
high order river segment. Susquehanna is the largest (in terms
of cfs) river in the northeast.)
|
|
| Dividing Creek |
Somerset,
Worchester |
Confluence
with Pocomoke River to north of Burk Mill Br. |
0
|
1982
|
|
W |
Botanic-(One
of the most extensive southern swamps at the northern extreme
of its natural occurrence in the U.S. and also possesses an
endemic plant.)
Wildlife-(Seclusion of swamps and
their juxtaposition with upland forests make this segment
a significant wildlife habitat.)
|
|
| Fifteen-Mile
Creek |
Allegany |
Confluence
with Potomac River to Route 40 |
8
|
1982
|
|
G, H |
Geologic-(Stream
course is unique in that it cuts through two ridges of the Appalachian
mountain range rather than flowing with the strike of the ridge.)
Historic-(Segment intersects the
nationally significant Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, a National
Historic Register Site.)
|
|
| Great Seneca
Creek |
Montgomery |
Confluence
with Seneca Creek to headwaters |
6
|
1982
|
|
H |
See Seneca
Creek comments. |
|
| Hilltop Creek |
Charles |
Nanjemoy Creek
to northeast of Ironsides |
3
|
1982
|
|
G, W, O |
See Potomac
River (segment from Nice Memorial Bridge to Sandy Point) comments. |
|
| Little Bohemia
Creek |
Cecil |
Confluence
with Bohemia Mills to headwaters |
4
|
1982
|
|
R, H |
See Bohemia
River comments. |
|
| Little Choptank |
Dorchester |
Confluence
with the Chesapeake Bay to headwaters |
9
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
|
| Little Gunpowder
River |
Harford, Baltimore |
I-95 to headwaters |
19
|
1982
|
|
C |
Cultural-(Segment includes regionally significant examples
of vernacular architecture, and the only double gabled mill
on the east coast.) |
|
| Long Green
Creek |
Harford |
Confluence
with Gunpowder River to headwaters |
1
|
1982
|
|
O |
|
|
| Manokin River |
Somerset |
One mile below
Route 13 to confluence with Tangier Sound. |
18
|
1995
|
S
|
F, W, O |
Fish-Habitat
for striped bass, recognized as threatened. Wildlife-Large wintering
populations of black ducks, a declining species, mallard, bufflehead,
and the Canadian goose. Botanic-70% of the corridor is wetlands.
Includes habitat for the sensitive joint-vetch, a threatened
species of national concern. |
|
| Marshy Hope
Creek |
Dorchester |
Confluence
with the Naticoke River to south of Federalsburg |
15
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
|
| Mattawoman
Creek |
Charles |
From the confluence
of the Mattawoman Creek and the Potomac River to Route 225 bridge
(6 miles upstream of confluence). From 38 33'30"/72 12'30" to
38 35'30"/77 07'30" |
6
|
1995
|
R
|
R, F, O |
Recreation-About
80 fishing tournaments annually based in Smallwood State Park.
Fish-Recent DNR monitoring indicates Mattawoman Creek has the
highest fish species diversity of any (MD) river monitored.
Other-Preservation of 3300 areas by the State protect Mattawoman
Creek. Of these over 1000 acres are candidate State "Wildlands"
which would prohibit structures, public roads or habitat disturbance. |
|
| Monocacy River |
Frederick,
Carroll |
Confluence
with the Potomac River to Bridgeport |
52
|
1982
|
|
O |
Archeologic-(Plain, low fired pottery projectile points and
turtle shells located within corridor.) |
|
| Nanjemoy Creek |
Charles |
Confluence
with Potomac to south of Rt. 491 |
10
|
1982
|
|
G, W, O |
See Potomac
River (segment form Nice Memorial Bridge to Sandy Point) comments. |
|
| Nanticoke
River |
Dorchester,
Sussex |
Confluence
with the Chesapeake Bay (Tangier Sound) to Seaford, DE |
35
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
DE
|
| Northeast
Creek |
Cecil |
Above I-95
to Route 273 |
6
|
1982
|
|
G |
Geologic-(Segment includes Gilpin's Falls, an area of volcaniclastic
rocks which represent the initial stages in formation of the
Appalachians and mark the Fall Zone between Piedmont and Coastal
Plains region.) |
|
| Octoraro Creek |
Cecil, Lancaster |
Camp Horseshoe
to Pine Grove |
9
|
1982
|
|
O |
Botanic-(Corridor includes the highest quality extensive stand
of hemlock documented in the Piedmont region. Also adjacent
to the river is a red oak community with a regionally unique
combination of canopy trees and ferns.) |
PA
|
| Patapsco River |
Carroll, Howard |
Above Daniels
to below Sykesville |
11
|
1982
|
|
R, C |
Cultural-(Earliest river in Maryland to become intensively
developed for a diversity of industrial uses. River marked the
path of the first public railroad in the United States, the
Baltimore and Ohio, 1827.)
Recreation-(Unique quickwater stream
of Class I gradient with more challenging seasonal rapids
within a natural setting in close proximity to Baltimore.)
|
|
| Patuxent River |
St. Mary's,
Calvert, Charles |
Confluence
with the Chesapeake Bay (Jack Bay) to south of Benedict |
8
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
|
| Pocomoke River |
Somerset,
Worcester |
Pocomoke City
to Snow Hill |
12
|
1982
|
|
O |
Botanic-(One
of the most extensive southern swamps at the northern extreme
of its natural occurrence in the U.S. and also possesses an
endemic plant.)
Wildlife-(Seclusion of swamps and
their juxtaposition with upland forests make this segment
a significant wildlife habitat.)
|
|
| Pocomoke River |
Worchester,
Somerset |
Confluence
with the Chesapeake Bay (Pocomoke Sound) to Pocomoke City |
16
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
|
| Pocomoke River |
Wicomico,
Worcester |
Tilghman Race
to Md. border |
17
|
1982
|
|
R, O |
Botanic-(One
of the most extensive southern swamps at the northern extreme
of its natural occurrence in the U.S. Area also includes the
northernmost stands of Bald Cypress and regionally rare stands
of Atlantic White Cedar.)
Recreation-(Regionally unique canoe
trail through extensive oxbow swamp.)
|
|
| Pocomoke River |
Worcester |
North of Snow
Hill to confluence with Tilghman Race |
0
|
1982
|
|
O |
Botanic-(One
of the most extensive southern swamps at the northern extreme
of its natural occurrence in the U.S. and also possesses an
endemic plant.) |
|
| Pomonkey Creek |
Charles |
From the confluence
of Mattawoman Creek and the Potomac River to Fenwick Road bridge. |
2
|
1995
|
R
|
S, F |
Fish-The Pomonkey
Creek, and the Mattawoman Creek, with the main stem of the Potomac
between them, together make up the most important waterway habitat
for the proliferation of the large mouth bass in the entire
Potomac River Estuary. The Pomonkey is also the spawning grounds
for the following: yellow and white perch, American shad, river
herring, striped bass, and bay anchovy. Scenic-The Pomonkey
Creek is nestled in a totally undeveloped pocket on the tidal
Potomac River. The creek's surrounding landforms include hilly
slopes and forested wetlands. It is virtually inaccessible by
road and only two structures are sited along its banks--both
at the creek's juncture with the Potomac. The creek's scenic,
undeveloped landscape is even more remarkable due to its proximity
to metropolitan Washington, DC. The Pomonkey Creek is also included
in the National Wetlands Priority Conservation Plan. |
|
| Port Tobacco
River |
Charles |
Confluence
with Potomac River to Warehouse Pt. |
3
|
1982
|
|
G, W, O |
See Potomac
River (segment from Nice Memorial Bridge to Sandy Point) comments. |
|
| Potomac River |
Montgomery |
Broad Run
to North Mason Island |
13
|
1982
|
|
S, O |
Scenic-(Significant and diverse juxtaposition and combination
of land, land uses, water and vegetative elements.)
Hydrologic-(One of the largest (in
CFS) free-flowing, sparsely developed, remaining high-order
rivers in the section.)
|
VA
|
| Potomac River |
Prince George's,
Charles, Saint Mary's |
Confluence
of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay, to the Fort Washington
Park. |
92
|
1995
|
R
|
S, R, G, F,
H, C |
Scenic-Scenic
portions of the river appear similar to that in George Washington's
time. Recreation-Following cleanup of Washington, D.C. pollution,
boating opportunity has rebounded. Geologic-Cliffs (near Purse
State Park for example) expose fossil-bearing strata. Fish-Recreational
fishing has improved in recent years. Historic-Historic sites
are scattered along the river. Cultural-Archaeological sites
are known to be in various shore-line areas. |
|
| Potomac River |
Frederick,
Washington |
West of New
Addition to Harpers Ferry |
4
|
1982
|
|
G, O |
Geologic-(River
flows through a significant open low mountain at Weverton.)
Hydrologic-(One of two remaining,
relatively undeveloped, free-flowing high order river segments
in the section.)
|
VA
|
| Potomac River |
Montgomery |
David Taylor
Model Basin to Broad Run |
20
|
1982
|
|
S, R, G, H,
O |
Hydrologic-(One
of the largest in CFS, free-flowing, relatively undeveloped
high order rivers in the northeast.)
Historic-(The linear and river related
Chesapeake and Ohio National Historic Parks within and parallel
to the river corridor.)
Recreation-(Exceptional diversity
of flow gradients. Proximity to urban populations in Washington,
D.C., Arlington and Alexandria. Corridor contains areas for
rock climbing.)
Scenic-(Significant and diverse
juxtaposition and combination of land, land uses, water and
vegetative elements.)
Geologic-(Rare gorges and cliffs
up to 150 feet in height.)
|
VA
|
| Potomac River |
Northumberland,
Westmoreland |
Confluence
with the Chesapeake Bay to Ragged Point Beach |
23
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
VA
|
| Potomac River |
Allegany,
Washington |
Hancock, MD
to Oldtown, MD |
52
|
1982
|
|
H, O |
See Potomac
River, WV comments. |
WV
|
| Potomac River |
Fredick |
Near Monocacy
River aqueduct to R.R. yard at Brunswick |
10
|
1982
|
|
S, O |
Hydrologic-(One
of the largest (in CFS) free-flowing, relatively undeveloped
high order rivers in the northeast.)
Scenic-(A wide variety of views
related to stream channel variation, topographic variation
and the variety of land uses and vegetative cover in the corridor.)
|
VA
|
| Sassafras
River |
Kent, Cecil,
New Castle |
Confluence
with the Chesapeake Bay to headwaters |
19
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
|
| Seneca Creek |
Montgomery |
Confluence
with Potomac River to headwaters |
6
|
1982
|
|
H |
Historic-(Segment includes a portion of the Chesapeake and
Ohio Canal, a National Historic Register site.) |
|
| St. Mary's
River |
St. Mary's |
Priests Point
to headwaters |
16
|
1982
|
|
H |
Historic-(Segment includes National Historic Register district,
St. Mary's City, the first colony in Maryland.) |
|
| Susquehanna
River |
Harford |
Above Port
Deposit to confluence of Octoraro Creek |
3
|
1982
|
|
G, F, O |
See Deer Creek
comments. |
|
| Sweathouse
Branch |
Harford |
Confluence
with Gunpowder River to Giddings |
2
|
1982
|
|
O |
|
|
| Transquaking
River |
Dorchester |
Confluence
with the Chesapeake Bay (Fishing Bay) to Docoursey Bridge |
12
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
|
| Tred Avon
River |
Talbot |
Corporate
limits of Easton to confluence with the Choptank River. |
12
|
1995
|
R
|
R, F, W |
Recreation-Outstanding opportunities for recreational boating.
Fish-Habitat for striped bass, a species of concern. |
|
| Tuckahoe Creek |
Talbot |
Confluence
with the Choptank River to the headwaters of the Mason Branch |
27
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
|
| Wicomico Creek |
Somerset,
Wicomico |
Confluence
with the Wicomico River to the dam near the town of Allen |
6
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
|
| Wicomico River |
Somerset,
Wicomico |
Confluence
with the Chesapeake Bay (Tangier Sound) to Salisbury |
20
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
|
| Wicomico River |
St. Mary's,
Charles |
Cobb Island
to Allens Fresh, Route 234 |
14
|
1982
|
|
W |
Wildlife-(Segment includes nesting areas of the Bald Eagle,
an endangered species, and also includes a Great Blue Heron
Rookery.) |
|
| Wye East River |
Queen Annes,
Talbot |
Confluence
with the Wye River to Wye Mills |
10
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
|
| Wye River |
Queen Annes |
Confluence
with the Chesapeake Bay to Route 404 crossing |
10
|
1982
|
|
R, F, W, O |
See Big Annemessex
River comments. |
|
| Youghiogheny
River |
Garrett |
From Millers
Run to the Southern Corporate limits. |
22
|
1995
|
W
|
S, R, F, O |
Recreation-Outstanding whitewater of Class IV and V rapids
requiring experience and skill to navigate safely. Scenic-Most
of the river flows through a narrow heavily forested gorge.
Fish-Recent improvements in water quality have established excellent
trout potential. Botanic-State naturalists have located over
31 sites within the river segment supporting plants or animals
considered rare in the state. |
|
| Zekiah Swamp
Run |
Charles |
Allens Fresh
to Cedarville |
19
|
1982
|
|
G, O |
Geologic-(Segment is related to the Newburg Talbot Terrace
Scarp, one of last remaining inland cliffs in this section.)
Botanic-(Segment includes a National
Natural Landmark, the extensive Zekiah Swamp, an excellent
mixed stand of pin oak, sweet gum, and American holly.)
|
|
Last Modified 2-27-09
