Trip Information
The Canoe Cruisers Association helps paddlers get together for mutually arranged cooperative adventures to explore local rivers and streams.
Most trips are day trips - CCA membership is not required, though we hope you'll join. To join one of these groups, specify which in a note to trips@canoecruisers.org and we'll answer right away.
Sunday Trips - nearby, easy flowing water - Like Anglers to Lock 10, Violettes Lock Loop ( 100 people on list )
Thursday Trips - can be farther afield - 2 to 4 hours away - more difficult - James, Yough, Shenandoah Staircase, Baltimore, Bloomington Releases, Little Falls. Often there are two on the same Thursday - one near, the other far. (350 on list)
Pick-up Trips - spur-of-the moment, when rains come to smaller brooks. The group mailing list sees that all on it get the word immediately. (160 on list) If proposing such a trip - please send it to Trips@canoecruisers.org.
Wednesday Evening Trips Start in May, after-work on the Potomac - look on Paddle Prattle.
Community/Family Trips - Trips suitable for children (warm water, easy water) open to families and singles.
Weekend Trips - These trips will vary in difficulty from flatwater to Class IV whitewater.
To join these trips, look at the Trips and Events Calendar. From March through October we send a weekly Upcoming Trips email to CCA members. We also have email lists for Sunday, Thursday, Family/Community, Weekend and Pick-Up trips, many or which are scheduled last minute. Send a message to trips@canoecruisers.org and tell us which list you want to be included on.
Club trips are informal get togethers for interested paddlers. See Trip Guidelines for a detailed description of our trips. We have no formal or paid guided trips. Nor do we have club paddling equipment or plan private trips. For this, contact one of our commercial Outfitters.
Any Questions? Write to trips@canoecruisers.org, and we'll answer right away.
Scheduled Trips
Club members volunteer to coordinate outings throughout the year. About 35 did so in 2019. Paddlers can find outings that suit their skill level.
See the Trip and Events Calendar for a listing of these trips for the next several weeks.
If you have children, look on our trips calendar for family friendly Community Paddles.
Check the schedules of other paddling clubs. We usually combine these schedules.
Blue Ridge Voyageurs
Equipment and skills. Non-members welcome
Members and non-members are welcome on CCA trips. They must have their own equipment and the appropriate skills for the rated trip difficulty. If it goes well, please consider joining the club. You can Join CCA now or Contact Us for more information.
Members and guests who join a Scheduled Trip acknowledge they have reviewed and agree to the provisions found in our Trip Guidelines.
Pick Up Trips
When it starts to rain and that favorite river is rising, use the Internet to find others to put together a last minute trip. Local paddlers meet, plan trips and share tips on the CCA Facebook Page, the CCA Message Board and the Monocacy Canoe Club Message Board, Paddle Prattle. You can also sign up for our pickup trips email list by contacting trips@canoecruisers.org.
Potomac River Access Points
Many of our paddling access points are on the Maryland side of the river. This is thanks the the C&O Canal National Park which runs for 184 miles along the Potomac from Georgetown in Washington, DC, to Cumberland, Maryland. See the C&O Canal Association list of access points with descriptions, coordinates, and Google map links. You should also check Potomac River Access Points
Coordinate a CCA Trip
We are always looking for members to coordinate trips. Pick a place you like to paddle and email Trips@canoecruisers.org. If you are unsure what a Trip Coordinator does see Trip Guidelines.
Charlie Duffy's Trip Coordinator Presentation has a wealth of information for paddlers who are new to trip leading and would like to coordinate a CCA trip.
Clif Castleman's free online course has a wealth of information on what you should carry in your first aid kit to treat the most common injuries that occur on the river. First Aid on the River
The Trip Coordinator Stream Sheets have information on put-in, take-out, class of water and hazards.
Meeting Places
Where to meet to carpool ad consolidate boats. Meeting Places
See the StreamFinder for more information on small streams in the area.