2010 Potomac River Ramble-Paw Paw Bends

This year's Ramble was a success! We learned about fish, macroinvertebrates, history, owls, and so much more! If you'd like to be included on our Ramble contact list for the next trip, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Hope to see you at the next Ramble!

GOT QUESTIONS? We've Got Answers. Click to learn more.

2009 Potomac River Ramble June 24th - 28th, Monocacy Scenic River from the city of Frederick, Md. through the Monocacy Aqueduct and down the Potomac, ending at the McKee - Beshers Wildlife Management Area.

This year we had some great programs, including:

• Studying aquatic invaders with the Md. Department of
Natural Resources and the Hood College Biology
Department;
• Examining the inter-sex smallmouth bass problem in the Potomac with the U.S. Geological Survey;
• Interpretive programs at the Monocacy National Battlefield Park; and
• Amphibian and wetland surveys with ICPRB and Montgomery County DEP biologists.

What are the River Rambles?

The Potomac River Rambles are a series of multi-day canoeing and kayaking expeditions that feature environmental programming, riverside camping, restoration projects, festive meals, meetings with elected officials, and much more.  Novice and experienced paddlers alike enjoy a unique on-the-water experience that builds a strong environmental ethic, while having a lot of fun in the process.  The Rambles aim to elevate awareness of the Potomac River’s importance to the region and to encourage local residents to play an active role in its restoration.

2008 Tidal Potomac River Ramble: Piscataway Creek to Mason-Neck

The 2008 Ramble explored some of the tidal creeks South of Washington DC.   Ramblers examined the invasive snakehead, learned about different types of aquatic vegetation, explored tidal freshwater marshes, and toured historic sites including Fort Washington and the National Colonial Farm.

2007 Summer Potomac Ramble: Shepherdstown, W.V. to Tarara Winery in Leesburg, V.A.

Participants of this year’s Ramble collected and examined fish and insects living in the mainstem Potomac, paddled some whitewater around Harper’s Ferry, enjoyed historic period music, took part in the Potomac River Family Festival, and met up with participants of the Shenandoah Sojourn.

2006 Fall Colors Ramble: Paw Paw Bends: Old Town, Md. to Little Orleans Md.

This year’s Ramble began on the North Branch Potomac and took place in one of the most scenic stretches of the Potomac River.  The Fall colors were starting to appear as we learned about efforts to grow native trees, explored the Paw Paw Tunnel, reveled in a historic interpretive program about Ostenaco, the Cherokee Indian chief, and learned how to identify riparian trees and stream insects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an experienced canoeist or kayaker to go?
No. We welcome everyone no matter the experience level. Our guides and volunteer safety boaters are on hand to help you learn basic paddling skills.

Do I need a boat to go?
Yes. We ask that everyone bring a kayak or canoe. If you rent your boat from our guide company and let them know it's for the Ramble, they'll deliver it to the put-in and pick it up at the end of the trip. You also may use your own boat.

What do I need to bring?
You'll need camping gear (tent and sleeping bag), mess kit (bowl or plate, spoon, fork, knife, cup), snacks, sunscreen, water bottle. You may want to bring bug spray. A complete list will be sent with your packet closer to the trip. No need to bring meals or water. We will provide those.

What does my fee include?
Your fee includes meals, camping fees, professional guide service, shuttle service, and programs.

What are the meals like?

We try to make your experience as fun and enjoyable as possible. We provide catered meals or cookout style meals prepared on camp grills. We try our best to accomodate dietary needs, but we may not be able to meet everyone's needs. We always provide vegetarian options.

I'm not an experienced camper. What can I expect?
Camp sites are primitive. We will have access to port-a-pots and water, but there are no showers.

How are the days structured?
In the morning, we load the gear truck and eat breakfast. Once on the river, we enjoy a leisurely paddle to our program location, usually at lunch. Programs vary and could include netting macroinvertebrates, tree identification, geology, history, or other topics appropriate to the area. Along the way, we battle with water cannons, fish, or swim to pass the time. Guides and staff are always available to answer questions. Once on land at our camping spot, we offer evening and campfire programs, hikes along the C&O Canal Trail, and other opportunities.

What are the age restrictions?
We ask that your child be at least 8 years old. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I bring a group (scout troop, school class, youth group)?
We welcome groups. Please contact us directly to give us a little more information and get your group registered.

I can only participate for part of the Ramble. Can I still go?
Yes. You can register for individual days on the online or mail in form. However, you will need to arrange your own shuttle to your end destination. We make arrangements for the final shuttle for those registered for all the days.

Where are the put-ins and take-outs?
Each Ramble is different. We will send you a packet with directions to each put-in and take-out for the paddle, along with maps, and contact information for each.

What if there is an emergency?
If an emergency happens on the water, our guides and staff will be on hand to manage it. We collect emergency information before the trip to make sure we are able to help if there is an issue. If you have an emergency at home, family or friends may contact you at one of the emergency contact numbers provided. Cell phone service may be limited so we will provide land line numbers wherever possible.