Creagerstown Park to Devilbiss Landing

Creagerstown to Devilbiss is a 5.5 mile stretch of the river that provides a good paddle.  This is a good section to fish for several species.  Hit the top and bottoms of the multiple riffle areas for smallmouth bass, bluegill and warmouth are generally plentiful around the blowndown trees and stumps, and several deep sections hold channel catfish.  If you're a waterfowler, this is section is also a good late season hunting area, particularly once local ponds and lakes freeze over.

Put in: Creagerstown Park is one of the better access points on the river, and it is one of the few year-round access points. As you get close, you will see the MD Route 550 bridge ahead of you. There is a small boat ramp on the right side of the river, just above the bridge. Above the boat ramp is a relatively large, gravelled parking lot with a picnic table and grill. Adjacent to the boat ramp area is a nice playground and additional tables and grills. The facilities and eas of entry to Creagerstown Park makes this one of the best spots along the river to combine a paddling trip followed by a group picnic.

Take out: The Devilbiss take out can be a little tough.  The Devilbiss Road Bridge is visible from several hundred yards upstream as you round a sharp bend.  There are two possible takeouts on the right bank....one above the bridge and one below the bridge.  The spot above the bridge is only available at low water levels and is identified by a small gravel landing area; the path to the parking lot is short but very steep and rocky.  The takeout below the bridge is gentler and more reliable, and, despite the 25 yard carry to the parking lot, it is generally your best bet. The Devilbiss Bridge site is a seasonal access point only open from mid-March to 31 October; the remainder of the year, a gate blocks access to the parking lot and extends the carrying distance to/from the water. 


 

MD Route 77 to Creagerstown Park

Putting in at MD Route 77 and taking out at Creagerstown Park provides a 6.3 mile paddle through one of the more scenic sections of the river. 

The scenic highlight of this section is in the Legore Bridge area. Legore Bridge, circa 1900, is on the National Registry of Historic Places.  The bridge is architecturally interesting with its multiple limestone arches spanning the river.  Just above bridge, the river the steepens and picks up speed forming a gentle Class I riffle; while easily paddled, the riffle provides a nice break from the flat water and can be quite exciting for newer paddlers. The takeout, at Creagerstown Park, provides another opportunity to visit one of Frederick County's National Registry Sites.  As you exit the launch area on Pentterra Manor Lane, the old stone house on the right is Pentterra Manor.

The river moves at a good clip along most of this section of river.  If you're paddling for exercise, this section can be paddled in about an hour and a half.  A relaxed paddle trip will take about 3 hours....longer if you're fishing, hunting, or photographing.

Put in: The MD Route 77 access point is on the right when arriving from Thurmont, MD.  Frederick County Parks and Recreation controls the site, and there is generally a locked gate across the access road.  From the highway to the river is approximately 150 yards along a maintained trail/road.  There is no boat ramp, but the entry point is along a gentle slope.  For easier access, groups can contact the Parks and Recreation Dept to open the gate with two weeks notice.  The official name of the access point is Rocky Ridge Landing. 

 

Take out: Creagerstown Park is one of the better access points on the river, and it is one of the few year-round access points. As you get close, you will see the MD Route 550 bridge ahead of you. There is a small boat ramp on the right side of the river, just above the bridge. Above the boat ramp is a relatively large, gravelled parking lot with a picnic table and grill. Adjacent to the boat ramp area is a nice playground and additional tables and grills. The facilities and eas of entry to Creagerstown Park makes this one of the best spots along the river to combine a paddling trip followed by a group picnic.