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This trail gives paddlers the opportunity to explore the coves and creeks around Budd’s Creek, Chaptico and Bushwood. Depart from Wicomico Shores Landing and paddle south along the western shoreline of St. Mary’s County. This area is developed along the shore but gradually becomes more rural further south. Approximately 2.5 miles along the trail you will pass Cohouck Point. Head east (to the left) into Chaptico Bay (about 2 miles in length, depending on tides) to explore quiet tidal marshes and see abundant wildlife. Leaving Chaptico Bay along the southern shoreline, you will pass Mill Point, a small waterfront development. Chaptico Wharf is a good rest stop or take-out point only one-mile from Mill Point. The best landing spot at Chaptico Wharf is a small sandy spot immediately to the right of the pier. Further south are picturesque and unspoiled Manahowic and Bramleigh Creeks. Beyond Bramleigh Creek is a length of low cliffs where a beach may be present at low tide. The “cliffs” end at the inlet to Bramleigh Creek. This is a backwater that can be explored in under an hour. It is picturesque, unspoiled, and full of birds and aquatic life. Be mindful that all the shoreline here is privately owned. Paddlers will pass the waterfront side of Longview Beach, a resort community built by and for African Americans in the 1950’s. About 0.4 miles from this community you will come around White Point and see the large cove where Bushwood Wharf is located. Distance: It is approximately 5 miles one-way from Wicomico Shores Landing to Chaptico Wharf and approximately 3 miles one-way from Chaptico Wharf to Bushwood Wharf. More adventurous paddlers can attempt the entire 8-mile distance. Difficulty: Appropriate for intermediate to experienced paddlers – can be easy to moderate depending on wind conditions. Remain alert to powerboat traffic and be mindful of weather conditions and tides which can make any journey more challenging. Longer distances and open water should only be attempted by experienced paddlers. Managed by: St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks manages all of the access points along this trail. Wicomico Shores Landing Hours: Open daily sunrise to sunset Amenities: Boat ramp, piers, picnic shelter and tables, small playground. Restroom building open April 1 through mid-October. Riverview Restaurant at Wicomico Shores Golf Course is nearby and serves lunch and dinner (hours of operation vary depending on the season); also has restrooms. Parking lot with 20 parking spaces and room for trailers. Directions: Drive south on Route 5 through Charlotte Hall. Turn right onto Route 236 toward Budds Creek. Turn left onto Route 234 then turn right onto Aviation Yacht Club Road and continue to the end. Turn right onto Army Navy Drive and drive to the end. Address: 35222 Army Navy Drive, Chaptico, MD 20621 Chaptico Wharf Landing and Recreation Area Hours: Open daily sunrise to sunset Amenities: Boat ramp, pier, seasonal portable toilet and picnic tables. Parking lot with 15 parking spaces and room for trailers. Directions: Drive south on Route 5 through Charlotte Hall. Turn right onto Route 236 toward Budds Creek. Turn left onto Route 234. Turn right onto Route 238 and turn left onto Chaptico Wharf Road. Address: 23975 Old Chaptico Wharf Road, Maddox, MD 20621 Bushwood Wharf (Robert E. Pogue Memorial Park) Hours: Open daily sunrise to sunset Amenities: Boat ramp, pier and seasonal portable toilet. Canoes and kayaks should launch from the beach near the pier. Parking lot has 15 parking spaces and room for trailers with paved and unpaved areas. Directions: Drive south on Route 5 through Charlotte Hall. Turn right onto Route 236 toward Budds Creek. Continue approximately 6.3 miles on Route 236. Turn left onto Route 234 and continue about 8.2 miles. Turn right onto Route 242 and continue about 3.6 miles. Turn right onto Bushwood Wharf Road and drive to the end. Address: 36803 Bushwood Wharf Road, Bushwood, MD 20618 Region: Southern Maryland |
Last updated: April 19, 2017