Fort McHenry Crossing
Advanced Trail
Fort McHenry Crossing
Advanced | 5.8 miles (actual crossing is 0.5 miles)
DESCRIPTION:
Discover this 5.8 mile out and back trail near Baltimore, Maryland. This route is recommended for experienced paddlers and is generally considered a challenging route. The best times to paddle this route are between May and October. This route is only accessible via other water trails, so be sure to plan accordingly.
The Fort McHenry Crossing provides paddlers with scenic views of historic Fort McHenry as well as the opportunity to view wildlife enjoying the nearby wetlands. This trail is also the connecting point between the Inner Harbor and Middle Branch. The crossing is recommended for experienced paddlers and was carefully selected to reduce potential vessel conflicts with the Maryland Cruise Terminal and Masonville Cove Dredge Material Containment Facility. It also provides paddlers with the shortest distance between the two sides of the shipping channel. This is the section of the Baltimore Blueway most impacted by weather. Large areas of open water mean there is a greater potential for big wind and big waves.
ACCESS POINT & LAUNCH DETAILS:
The Hull Street Pier launch is located at the Tide Point Office Complex & Waterfront Park in Locust Point. Free parking is available on Hull Street and onsite in spaces designated for visitors. This is also next to the Tide Point stop for Baltimore City’s Harbor Connector (free during business hours) and the Baltimore Water Taxi. There is a waterfront promenade adjacent to the dock that is free and open to the public.
ACCESS POINTS & REST STOPS:
*Rest stops are may not have amenities for launching or storing kayaks, however they may provide a safe place to rest, stretch, and learn about local wildlife.
LANDMARKS & WAYPOINTS:
Proposed Enhancements:
The recommended channel crossing should be marked with buoys and a publicly accessible kayak launch should be added to Fort McHenry to make this historic site accessible to paddlers during regular operating hours.
