Paddle!

Being on the water is awesome. Get to the Anacostia River watershed with a kayak, canoe, boat, scull, or board. Pick your option, and enjoy the Anacostia!

Paddle to Where? Two suggestions.

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens See 'Coming by Canoe' on the NPS site for docking info.

Tucked on the eastern shore of the Anacostia River and on the border between DC and Maryland, sits a 700-acre National Park called the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens. A maze of coves and inlets steers you through a rich landscape of cattails, water lilies, and other aquatic flora. Calm waters of these wetlands let you linger... exploring the Gardens by kayak or canoe is a whole other world Kristan Uhlenbrock, GGWash

The Kingman and Heritage Islands - See Coming By Boat 

A unique natural space in the heart of the nation’s capital... Kingman and Heritage Islands are now home to important and rare ecosystems, including tidal freshwater wetlands, vernal pools, wildflower meadows, and tidal swamp forests. The islands are home to more than 100 different species of birds, mammals, and other wildlife. Mayor Muriel Bowser

Check Tides or Muck in Mud - The Anacostia River is really shallow in areas. The Kenilworth Marsh loses up to 90% of its water at low tides, who knew? Absolutely check tides before heading out to the Anacostia.

Find Paddling

Prince George's County has pontoon boat tours and rentals in Bladensburg Waterfront Park. Anacostia Riverkeeper and Anacostia Watershed Society offer free kayak, boat and canoe tours throughout the year. Some are sponsored through DC DOEE's River Explorers. Talk to the Riverkeeper and AWS for group outings.

Boating in DC and Capital SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board) can get you on the river with rentals, classes and events.. The offer riverfront storage if you BYOK.

Need access points? Find Anacostia River put-ins and docks with the Anacostia Watershed Restoration Partnership interactive map. 

Take a personal pledge to #EnjoytheAnacostia!