Kayak the Conowingo Reservoir Loop - Susquehanna Greenway

At a Glance

This paddle route explores the Conowingo Reservoir (the pond formed between the Holtwood Dam and Conowingo Dam in Maryland). Due to the lake-like waters, there is no need for a shuttle. Paddlers can begin and end from the same launch explore the Conowingo Islands to their heart’s content. These islands are a bedrock island cluster containing old-growth trees, potholes, and rare plant species. They also attract a diversity of bird species including the bald eagle, osprey, and great blue heron.

Description

Begin at the Muddy Creek Access. After launching, head “upstream” (northwest/toward Holtwood Dam). Our route sort of hugs the western shore, with Lower Bear Island to your right. As you continue, the channel becomes narrower and rocks rise up on either side. Turn around where you’d like and head back in the direction from which you came.

After reaching the end of Upper Bear Island, paddle in between it and Lower Bear, then turn back upstream. Continue upstream, under PA-372 / Norman Woods Bridge, then turn around after viewing the Holtwood hydroelectric dam. As you come to the end of Lower Bear Island, Muddy Run Reservoir hydroelectric facility is on your left.

From here, one can continue meandering downstream: Susquehanna State Park is on river left. Keep river left; Big Chestnut, Hennery, and smaller/closer Sicily Island will be on your right. Turn right and circle around these islands. Head back upstream and soon you’ll see the Muddy Creek boat ramp on your left for takeout.

On land nearby, you can investigate the interpretive panels at Lock 15 park: this lock is one of 29 locks that controlled water flow in the Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal, which connected Wrightsville to Havre de Grace in Maryland. Another great historical site is Lock 12, just upstream above the dam at Holtwood.

Aside from the canal history and neat geological formations, there are also petroglyphs—rock carvings as from as many as 1000 years ago—to be found on the rocks in this area. It is said that the best opportunity to see the petroglyphs is when the sun is a low angle and when the surface is wet. Even better, take a guided kayak tour with kayakLanCo.

Amenities

If you drive east to Susquehannock State Park, you can park at the Hawk Point picnic area, and hike a nice loop on Overlook Trail to Wisslers Run overlook for a bird’s eye view of the paddle route.