Welcome to Washington

(www.ccadc.org)

301-251-2978 (Membership information)

Billed as the nation’s largest canoe club, it offers training and arranging excursions on the tranquil sections of the Potomac River, as well as white-water mountain rivers. A variety of trips and classes are available for canoers and kayakers at every level, from beginner to expert.

Clyde Watson Boating Area

17901 Magruder’s Ferry Road, Brandywine, Md.

301-627-6074

Clyde Watson Boating Area is a special-use park area within Patuxent River Park that provides the public with boating access to the Patuxent River in southern Prince George’s County. It is located at the end of Magruder’s Ferry Road in Baden. As with other Patuxent River properties under management of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, use is limited and permits or reservations are required. The facility includes a standard boat ramp with pier and fishing area. Parking is limited to 15 vehicles with trailers, and 25 additional spaces.

Lake Needwood

15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville, Md.

301-762-9500 (Boating Information)

The 75-acre Lake Needwood is one of the crown jewels of Rock Creek Regional Park. Visitors can rent rowboats, canoes, and pedal boats, or take a ride on the Needwood Queen, a flat-bottom pontoon boat. Fishing is permitted (license required if over 16 years of age). Other park features include a visitor’s center and snack bar, picnic area, trails, playgrounds, an archery range and Needwood Golf Course.

Little Seneca Lake - Black Hill

20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, Md.

301-972-9396

This 1,300-acre, lake-oriented park features the mostly hard-surface, 4.3-mile Black Hill Trail, as well as, over 10 miles of natural surface trails and a water trail on the lake. Trails offer spectacular views of Little Seneca Lake and meander through oak and hickory forests. Historical markers identify former mill sites and interpret past gold mining history. For those who love the solitude of the forest, miles of natural surface trails can be explored by foot, horseback or mountain bike. Families and groups make full use of covered picnic shelters near playgrounds, volleyball courts, a fitness course, paved and natural trails and spectacular views of Little Seneca Lake. The Lake itself can be enjoyed from private boat, rental rowboats and canoes, the Osprey pontoon boat and a fishing pier.

Thompson Boat House

(www.thompsonboatcenter.com)

2900 Virginia Ave., N.W. (across from the Watergate in Georgetown), Washington, D.C.

202-333-9543

Conveniently located at the intersection of Rock Creek Parkway and Virginia Ave. on the Potomac River in Washington D.C.’s Georgetown, the Boat House offers something for everyone. If you enjoy relaxing on the water, the canoe and kayak rentals offer the chance to see D.C.’s monuments from a unique perspective, and to explore the hundreds of square miles of National parkland surrounding the Potomac River. For those who prefer to remain on land, they offer bicycle rentals to let you explore the nation’s capital and its many bike trails. And for those who wish to learn how to row or to hone their skills, Thompsons offers some of the best introductory training and most competitive racing programs in the country. Rents canoes, sea kayaks, double kayaks. Open daily, during the rental season. Call or visit Web site for details about hours and admission.