BEACHES & WATER EXPERIENCES Further inland, fly fishing is a favorite. With so many swift, clean mountain rivers in Maryland, it’s not a surprise you’ll find fishing spots teeming with rainbow, cutthroat, brook, brown and golden trout. If you’re new to fishing, cut your teeth on some brookies and find a local guide to help you work up to those monster brown trout. They are wily, but we believe in you. Academy, is the “Sailing Capital of the U.S.” and the perfect place to charter a sailboat. There’s no feeling in the world like the rush you get healed over a sailboat as the breeze brings the boat to life. Deep Creek Lake is another boat rental favorite. You can rent by the day or even the week and pick between pontoon boats for fishing and floating, or even speedboats for water skiing. If you like things a bit quieter, try Baltimore Electric Boat Rental. Located in the hip Harbor East shopping and entertainment neighborhood, these classically styled, covered electric boats are an awesome way to explore the harbor. You can also set sail in a dragon boat or your own private pirate boat from the Inner Harbor. If you prefer to let a captain take the reins, sail on the beautiful schooner Woodwind in Annapolis. GO WHITE-WATER WILD RENT A BOAT FOR THE DAY AND GO YOUR OWN WAY There’s nothing like getting out on your own on the water, and we’ve got lots of different styles of boats to rent for whatever floats your boat. Renting a pontoon boat to cruise the Assawoman Bay in Ocean City is a family-fun favorite, or get jet skis to get some air over the waves. Take in the sights and sound of National Harbor via kayak or paddleboat. Annapolis, home of the U.S. Naval When you think of Maryland waters, you might picture something peaceful and serene like the Chesapeake on a gentle spring morning, but don’t tell that to the thrilling Upper Youghiogheny, Savage, Potomac, Cheat and Big Sandy rivers. In fact, Garrett County is such a white-water mecca, the U.S. Olympic Team has trained here. Find a guide and dare rapids from Class II all the way up to towering Class V. Or for a unique adventure, try Adventure Sports Center International near Wisp Resort—it’s the world’s only mountaintop white-water course. This man-made marvel is the perfect place to learn canoeing, rafting and kayaking, but can also challenge the world’s best. WHEN IT’S HOT, GET OLD-SCHOOL COOL AT A GENUINE SWIMMING HOLE There’s certainly no better way to beat the summer heat than taking the plunge in a real swimming hole! Head to Harford County to the sublime Kilgore Falls and take a dip in its waterfall-fed pool. The water may be brisk, but the experience is even cooler! Or for the ultimate swimming hole experience, go to Beaver Dam Swim Club in Cockeysville. It’s an easy trip from Baltimore and is an absolute blast with its famous rope swing, leading out to a 30-acre freshwater quarry. IT’S TUBING TIME Pictured Left to Right: Adventure Sports Center International, McHenry; Gunpowder Falls, Monkton Grab some inflatable tubes, slip into your water shoes, pack a cooler or two and hike upriver for the float of a lifetime. Tubing is a much-loved Maryland tradition, and you’re sure to meet some friendly folk on the river as you drift the day away. The Gunpowder River in 44 ✥ VISITMARYLAND.ORG | 1-877-209-5883
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2020 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 44
