Description

Three different putins have traditionally been used:

1. (Harpers Ferry Rd) - A short run from the Maryland side - proceed up river from the Sandy Hook, MD takeout to Lock 34 where the road turns away from the river. This short section used to be a common beginning whitewater boat training section when there was more access below the Dam. But today, there is no parking anywhere near this putin, which limits its utility.

2. (Bakerton) - A little longer run, putting in on the West Virginia side, but there is parking and this put-in is only several hundred yards above Dam #3. To get there, follow Rt. 340 towards Charles Town to Bakerton Rd., where Millville Rd. goes off to the left and a substantial brick building and 'Wilts Fruit Mart' is on the right. Turn right on Bakerton Rd. and follow it until the road goes under a stone railroad bridge. After going under the railroad bridge, make an immediate right into the River Runners Potomac Put-in. There is a charge here ($15.00 per person Memorial Day through Labor day or sometimes $5.00 before Memorial Day or after Labor Day, depending upon who you talk to - payable at the River Riders office off US 340 on Millville Rd). (If you join the Mason-Dixon Canoe Cruisers (MDCC) for $10.00, then $0.00 - but notice to River Runners is required for larger groups from Memorial Day through Labor Day - see MDCC/River Runners agreement [https://www.facebook.com/groups/masondixoncanoecruisers -- scroll down to May 27. 2022 for details]).

3. (Dargans Bend) - A much longer paddle (including 2.5 miles of flatwater) is to put-in at Dargans Bend Boat Ramp on the Maryland side, where there is plenty of free parking (but alot of flatwater). The Huckleberry Hill C&O hiker/biker campground is about 1.8 miles below Dargans Bend boat ramp. After the flatwater there is a broken out Dam (Dam #3) that starts the Class II whitewater section.