Tuckahoe Creek downstream from Hillsboro MD is an easy paddle with changing scenery and much to explore. In August 2021 we started downstream finding some interesting changes. A number of larger trees have fallen into the river and many of the small islands appear to be overrun with invasive grasses. The effect makes the creek feel less open than in the past but every bit, if not more, enjoyable.
A high water level on this day allowed us to investigate several of the side guts. Wood ducks were obviously continually flying ahead of us whenever we were close to them.
Perhaps he thought hiding behind this branch prevented us from seeing him.
Stopping at Stoney Point for a break we spend an enjoyable amount of time observing the butterflies busy on the vegetation.
Obviously there are beavers in the area. Something we had not noted in the past.
Tuckahoe Creek is always a delightful paddle including open water, bird sightings, small guts to explore and varied wildlife. In the fall the scenery along here is beautiful as hardwoods come down to the waters edge in many places. We usually paddle about 3-4 miles downstream and turn around to return to Hillsboro. A longer paddle is 10 miles downstream to the launch ramp on Tuckahoe Landing Rd off Rd. 382. A second car can be left here for a shuttle as it’s only about a 15 minute drive from Hillsboro. This is on our 2022 to do paddle list.
A recent addition at the boat ramp in Hillsboro is an informational sign honoring Frederick Douglass who based much of his writings and speeches on his experiences as an enslaved person, particularly as a child, in and around Hillsboro.
Directions: From the intersection of MD Rt. 404 & Rt. 309 in Queen Anne, MD (there’s a Royal Farm on this corner). Take Rt. 303 into Queen Anne and turn left on Main St. (old 404). Follow this over the small bridge and boat launch is on your right.
Services: Port a john at boat launch. Royal Farms and Subway at intersection with 404. Other restaurants etc. in Denton.
For more Kayaking Delmarva blog posts visit our Blog Index.
For daily photos visit our KayakingDelmarva Facebook or KayakingDelmarva Instagram.
Share this:
Categories: Bald Eagles, Birds, Eastern Shore Kayaking, Kayak Birding, tuckahoe creek
Kayaking Delmarva 
How strong is the creek current? Is there significant impact from tides on water levels or currents?
How many trees will we have to portage around or climb over?
Should we go at high tide to avoid fallen trees?
Thanks!
Jim Randle
On Sun, Oct 31, 2021 at 10:22 AM Kayaking Delmarva wrote:
> DELMARVAKayaker posted: ” Tuckahoe Creek downstream from Hillsboro MD is > an easy paddle with changing scenery and much to explore. In August 2021 we > started downstream finding some interesting changes. A number of larger > trees have fallen into the river and many of the small isla” >
LikeLike
The current/tide on Tuckahoe is not particularly strong. We’ve paddled against the tide many times. None of the fallen trees block the creek at all. The creek is quite wide.
LikeLike
Thank you for once again suggesting something for my “to be paddled” list! I’ve blown past the mid-Atlantic area, though; I expect to kayak the next few days in Francis Marion National Forest.
LikeLike