Poolesville MarylandBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Poolesville, Maryland.
1. Riley's Lock
HISTORIC CANAL ACCESS POINT
Riley's Lock offers scenic views along the Potomac River with plenty of parking and smooth pathways. Visitors can push in kayaks at this popular waterfront spot and enjoy the natural surroundings. The area provides opportunities to observe local wildlife and crew teams practicing on the water.
2. C&O Canal
HISTORIC WATERWAY TRAIL
The C&O Canal in Poolesville offers a beautiful waterside experience along a historic 19th-century canal system. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing along the towpath that follows the Potomac River. The canal provides numerous access points for water activities including fishing and paddling.
3. Lockhouse 25
CANALSIDE HISTORIC ACCOMMODATION
Lockhouse 25 is a restored historic structure completed in 1830 that sits alongside the C&O Canal in Poolesville. The lockhouse has been rehabilitated and is now available for overnight accommodations, offering a unique waterfront experience. Located just 4.5 miles from downtown Poolesville, it provides visitors a glimpse into canal life while enjoying proximity to the water.
4. White's Ferry
HISTORIC POTOMAC RIVER CROSSING
White's Ferry offers visitors a chance to cross the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia via a historic cable ferry. The ferry has been a transportation fixture in the area since 1782, providing a unique waterfront experience. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the Potomac River during the short crossing.
5. McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area
WETLANDS AND WILDLIFE
McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area features beautiful wetlands and ponds in western Montgomery County near Poolesville. Visitors have compared the experience to being in France and walking through a Monet painting, especially when the sunflower fields are in bloom. Located off River Road, this natural area offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography around its various water features.
6. Beverly-Triton Beach Park
CHESAPEAKE BAY SWIMMING
Beverly-Triton Beach Park offers visitors access to the Chesapeake Bay with sandy beaches and swimming areas. The park provides trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding along its shoreline. Visitors can enjoy beautiful bay views and observe local wildlife in this natural setting.
7. North Beach
CHARMING BAYFRONT TOWN
North Beach is a charming waterfront town with a public beach on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing from the town's pier during the summer season. The beach area features a boardwalk with shops and restaurants overlooking the water.
8. Sandy Point State Park
PREMIER CHESAPEAKE BEACH
Sandy Point State Park offers a large public beach on the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay near the Bay Bridge. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, crabbing, and boating with rental facilities available during the summer season. The park provides panoramic views of the Bay Bridge and features picnic areas, a marina, and hiking trails along the shoreline.
9. Great Falls
DRAMATIC POTOMAC RAPIDS
Great Falls features dramatic cascades and rapids where the Potomac River drops 76 feet in less than a mile through Mather Gorge. The C&O Canal National Historical Park provides overlooks with spectacular views of the falls from the Maryland side. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails along the river, rock climbing opportunities, and the historic tavern and visitor center.
10. Seneca Creek State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Seneca Creek State Park centers around the 90-acre Clopper Lake, offering fishing, boating and scenic trails. Visitors can rent boats during warm months or enjoy swimming at the park's lake beach area. The park spans 6,300 acres and features historic sites, including a restored 19th-century mill complex along the creek.