Paddle the Sassafras River Water Trail

The Sassafras River Water Trail offers many options for paddling in picturesque landscapes.

Chris Cerino/ Sultana Education Foundation

About the River and Trail

Over 20 miles long, the Sassafras River traces the shores of Maryland’s Cecil and Kent counties before reaching its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay between Howell Point and Grove Point.  The tributary begins near the town of Sassafras, where the heavily wooded corridor features shallow water and the average width is only around 20 feet.  After passing under the Route 301 Bridge, the river widens and the landscape transitions from woodland to farmland with a few residential communities interspersed along the way. 

The twin ports of Georgetown and Fredericktown dominate the scenery downriver of the Route 213 Bridge, with both communities serving as busy centers for recreational boating.  Between Turner’s Creek and the mouth of the Sassafras, dramatic cliffs line both sides of the river.  The forested cliffs provide ideal habitat for nesting bald eagles, and the birds can often be spotted soaring overhead. 

Despite its relatively small size, the Sassafras is a popular destination for powerboats, paddle craft, and workboats.  As such, it can be especially busy on weekends from May through October.  For paddlers seeking peace and quiet, the Sassafras offers numerous creeks whose shallow waters are accessible by only the smallest vessels.

History

European Contact 
Captain John Smith arrived at the Sassafras River on August 1, 1608. He quickly met warriors from a group of people he called the Tockwogh. This name referred to a town that was located in what is now Kent County, Maryland.

The Tockwogh spoke an Algonquin language that was different from the Powhatan dialect that Smith understood. Thankfully, one of the Tockwogh men spoke both languages and was able to translate. After being taken to their walled town, Smith noticed that they had iron and brass tools. The Tockwogh informed him that they had gotten these tools from their Northern neighbors, the Susquehannock. They agreed to arrange a meeting between Smith and the Susquehannock. Smith and his men explored the Elk and Susquehanna rivers while a few Tockwogh men traveled to contact the Susquehannock.

The Susquehannock leaders agreed to a meeting and sailed downstream in a fleet of canoes with sixty men and loads of gifts and things to trade. Smith, five Susquehannock leaders, and two interpreters met aboard the shallop and sailed across to the Sassafras River and Tockwogh. That night there was a dance and feast. John Smith performed an Anglican prayer service, and the Susquehannock sang a song of theirs in return. Smith departed on August 8.

War of 1812
From opposite sides of the Sassafras River, local militia fired at British raiders who were advancing toward Fredericktown and Georgetown. The militia fought only briefly before retreating, but the towns paid dearly. On May 6, 1813, British forces reduced much of Fredericktown to ashes; then crossed to Georgetown, setting much of it aflame as well. Catharine "Kitty" Knight reportedly persuaded the British commander to save her house and that of an elderly neighbor, two of the ten or so houses that survived the sacking of Georgetown.

Learn more

The Sassafras River Water Trail is managed by Sultana Education Foundation. To learn more about the trail and its paddle trips, visit: https://www.paddlethesassafras.com.

Details

Activity

Paddling

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Accessibility Information

There are no universally accessible launches on the Sassafras River. The closest accessible launch is found at Chestertown Marina (https://chestertownmarina.com).