City: Nanjemoy, MD
County: Charles County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 38.46896772, -77.26361702
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Potomac River
21 runs (11 nearby)Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site:
Put-in at this location
This location is on the run
Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Downstream from here Upstream from here
II
This location is on this run
5. Anglers Inn to Lock 10
4.2 mi
V
This location is on this run
Clara Barton Parkway to C&O Canal
0.1 mi
IV(V)
Downstream from here (33.3 mi to put-in)
2. Glebe Road to the Potomac
0.1 mi
III+(IV)
Upstream from here (32.9 mi from take-out)
7. Little Falls
2.4 mi
15 ft/mi
I
Upstream from here (34.9 mi from take-out)
6. Lock 10 to Sycamore Island
2.3 mi
V+
Upstream from here (36.3 mi from take-out)
3. Great Falls (Center Lines)
0.4 mi
100 ft/mi
IV-V(V+)
Upstream from here (36.3 mi from take-out)
3. Great Falls (Fish Ladder)
0.4 mi
100 ft/mi
V+
Upstream from here (36.3 mi from take-out)
3. Great Falls (MD Lines)
0.4 mi
100 ft/mi
V
Upstream from here (36.3 mi from take-out)
3. Great Falls (VA Lines)
0.4 mi
100 ft/mi
V+
Upstream from here (36.3 mi from take-out)
3. Through Great Falls (several runs)
0.4 mi
II-III(IV)
Upstream from here (35.4 mi from take-out)
4. Sandy Beach/O-Deck to Anglers Inn
2.2 mi
8 ft/mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
I
111 mi away
0.2 Paw Paw Tunnel Campground to Fifteen Mile Creek Boat Landing
21.0 mi
I
54 mi away
0.9 Point of Rocks to Mouth of Monocacy
6.2 mi
I-II
59 mi away
0.8 Potoma Wayside, VA or Weverton, MD to Point of Rocks MD
12.0 mi
II+
66 mi away
0.7 Dargans Bend Boat Ramp to Potoma Wayside, VA or Weverton, MD
5.5 mi
5 ft/mi
I
70 mi away
0.6 Shepherdstown, WV to Dargans Bend Boat Ramp
8.0 mi
I
76 mi away
0.5 Dam # 4 to Shepherdstown WV
12.0 mi
I
82 mi away
0.45 Williamsport to Dam #4
14.0 mi
I
87 mi away
0.4 Big Pool/Fort Frederick Campground to Williamsport MD
16.7 mi
I
94 mi away
0.35 Hancock, MD to Big Pool/Fort Frederick Campground
12.0 mi
I
106 mi away
0.3 Fifteen Mile Creek Boat Ramp to Hancock, MD
16.8 mi
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Mallows Bay Park provides boat ramp and soft launch access to the Potomac River, a major navigable waterway with significant flow (average 23,433 cubic feet/second) and moderate current. Located at 1440 Wilson Landing Road, this Charles County access point is ideal for kayakers and canoeists exploring the river's lower reaches. The park features parking, portable toilets, and a 0.8-mile interpretive trail. Groups of 10 or more should pre-register by contacting gilroye@charlescountymd.gov at least two weeks in advance to minimize congestion at the ramp.
The Potomac River at this location is a broad, mature river system with an average velocity of 4.55 feet/second and gentle gradient of 1.7 feet/mile, making it manageable for paddlers of varying skill levels during normal flow conditions. The site provides access to scenic areas including nearby wildlife refuges—Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck and Occoquan Bay—both important habitats for migratory birds and endangered species. Nearby camping options at Smallwood State Park and designated cabin sites offer convenient overnight accommodations for multi-day paddling trips.
The Potomac River at this location is a broad, mature river system with an average velocity of 4.55 feet/second and gentle gradient of 1.7 feet/mile, making it manageable for paddlers of varying skill levels during normal flow conditions. The site provides access to scenic areas including nearby wildlife refuges—Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck and Occoquan Bay—both important habitats for migratory birds and endangered species. Nearby camping options at Smallwood State Park and designated cabin sites offer convenient overnight accommodations for multi-day paddling trips.
Nearby Recreation Areas
Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Located within
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Located within
Wood Thrush Trail
Located within
Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area
Located within