I have been floating on the Antietam Creek more times then I can count since I was about 10 years old. One of my favorite summer activities growing up was floating on the river in tubes with friends or paddling with my family on a Saturday.
Within a 40 minute drive of Frederick, there are several spots for a river trip like the Potomac if you want something a little wilder or the Monocacy for a chill day but the Antietam, though a little further from home, will always be my favorite.
The Atietam is smaller in width then most of your local options and rangers from a few inches deep to about 3 feet at some points. The water moves a little faster then most of the Monocacy river and offers a few fun but non intimidating class 2 rapids interspersed through the runs.
The Runs
We have three different runs on our rotation. While there are plenty of other access points from Devils Backbone to the Potomac River, this is where we always end up going.
Middle Bridge off of Shepherdstown Pike
This creek access while a little steep is an easy access point and drops you right above your first rapid. I recommend avoiding the actual parking lot as the erosion has created a large dip that can scrape your car. You can park on the side of Shepherdstown Pike.
Molly’s Hole at Burnside Bridge
Molly’s Hole is a 2 foot “waterfall” right above the river access where you can take out or put in. After you go down Molly’s Hole, you will pull out about 30 feet ahead on the left side. There are two parking spots for boat loading and unloading and a small parking lot up the hill a few yards. While this is an easy spot for put in or take out, you should only plan to leave one car here as there is limited parking.
Antietam Creek Campground at the Potomac River
The Antietam Creek Campgroup is a part of the C&O Canal and sits right where Antietam Creek meets the Potomac river. If you choose to float to the end, you can take out here where you will find yourself on the C&O Canal with a short walk to the loading zone. There is a small parking lot and tons of parking along Canal Rd for bikers, hikers, boaters, and floaters. You will get out of the water on the left side just past the aqueduct above you. You will notice the small, muddy beach
This spot is the most difficult to take out as the hill going up to the tow path is very very steep and you have to pull all of your equipment up. Make sure you bring good shoes to make it up the hill a little safer. This is also the only access point where you cannot pull up within 30 feet of the access. It is a very easy walk to the parking lot but still a wase to carry all of your stuff so keep that in mind while packing.
The Bridge to Molly’s Hole
Approx. 1 – 2 hours
3 or so small rapids + Molly’s Hole drop
Rope swing
Molly’s Hole – Potomac River
Approx. 2 – 4 hours
4 + longer rapids
The Bridge – Potomac River
Approx. 4 – 6 hours
The run time will completely change based on the water levels and how fast it is moving. Make sure to check the water gage before you go. It has been averaging about 2.4 or higher when we go.
What To Take
- Kayaks or tubes
- Car plug air compressor
- Lifejackets (required by law to be on every tube or vessel for every person. You can get fined if you don’t have one!)
- Water tight cooler
- Container for trash (Make sure to take all trash home with you to properly dispose of it)
- Waterproof speaker
- Water
- Watershoes
- Carabiners (Get locking carabiners to keep water bottles and dry bags attached if you flip over)
- Dry bag (Make sure to put in your keys, phones, and any other important items)
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