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Make Fletcher's your home base for a C&O adventure

The C&O Canal is a year-round hub of activity. Mule-drawn canal boats left the scene years ago - filling the void in the water are kayaks and canoes. Some kayak and canoe enthusiasts paddle the canal to hone their skills for the rapids of the Potomac. But to many, paddling the C&O is an adventure in its own right.

For city dwellers, Fletcher's Boathouse (map) - two and a half miles from Georgetown - offers a convenient C&O Canal starting point (not to mention kayak and canoe rentals). From Fletcher's, paddle the quiet, shaded route upstream (about two miles to Lock 5) or the lively, noisier route downstream (to Georgetown). Paddle to learn the basics or to master technique. Paddle for exercise; for nature; or for the heck of it. Whatever your reason may be, just paddle...and smile.

Located two miles and change from the Annapolis City Dock, the aptly-named Quiet Waters Park (map) offers the summer tourist (and local) a welcomed respite from the crowded city streets. The "Waters" part of Quiet Waters Park references the South River, the park's southern boundary, and Harness Creek, its tributary. The "Quiet" designation is a relative term. Most visitors to the park, including families and dog walkers, head straight to the South River Promenade with its impressive Chesapeake Bay vista. However, for the active type, six miles of trail and some "quiet water" paddling beckon.

The entrance to the park is off Hillsmere Drive, which as mentioned earlier is a little over two miles from downtown Annapolis. If bicycling is your preferred mode of transportation, the ride to the park is a straight shot down Bay Ridge Avenue after crossing the 6th Street bridge. Inside the park, the main trail loop, known as the Bike Path (open to walkers and joggers as well), connects to the entrance road. Taking the loop in a counter-clockwise direction, the paved path will meander leisurely through the leafy forest towards Harness Creek. For a multi-sport adventure, stop by Paddle or Pedal, accessible via the Harness Creek Trail. Rent a kayak (they also rent bikes) and explore the nooks and crannies of Harness Creek. Back on the bike (or your two feet), continue the loop, with a required detour to the Kodak-worthy South River Promenade. The return trip also passes the summer concert site and the native plant meadow - two examples of ongoing (and very different) projects organized by Friends of Quiet Waters Park.

Park Stats: 340 acres; approximately six miles of paved trail - multi-usePark Map: http://www.aacounty.org/RecParks/parks/quietwaters/map.cfmAdministration: Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks

To many Washington DC area residents, the Potomac is just another river to cross. But to the fraternity of kayak paddlers, it's much, much more. DC's (original) national treasure, the Potomac River, supports a healthy population of a certain streamlined river species - the kayaker. At some point in the evolution of the Washington DC area kayaker, this species begat two branches: flatwater and whitewater. Our story today is set in the flats.

About a mile after the Potomac winds its way past the Montgomery County-Washington DC line, the river widens and the current slows. This water is the playground for paddlers launching from Jack's Boathouse in Georgetown. From Jack's, kayakers can point their vessel upstream for a visit to the Three Sisters - a series of mid-river rock outcroppings within clear view of the Key Bridge. Or you may elect to venture downstream in the direction of some familiar sights. Let's be honest, we Washingtonians are (almost) numb to the view of Lincoln's marble shrine framed against the backdrop of the Washington Monument. But the view from a kayak - as the water laps softly against the hull - is unlike any experience from land. How so? Take hold of the oars and see for yourself.

Paddle Stats: About 1.5 miles from Jack's Boathouse to the Lincoln Memorial