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Downs Park is located on the Chesapeake Bay and Locust Cove.
Bay Side Beach Launch: The Bay Side Beach cartop boat launch is located on the main side of the park. When you arrive please check in with the gatehouse and let them know you want to launch on the Bay Side Beach Launch. After entering the park head down the main road and park in the last parking lot on the right. For the launch follow the paved trail to the four-way split then take a right. Follow the trail until you see the bulletin board. The launch is then on the beach to your right. The water is about 500 feet from the trailhead. The launch is on the Chesapeake Bay, please plan accordingly. Stay at least 100 feet from the fishing pier and follow all boating rules and regulations for the Bay. We ask that all paddlers are back in the park at least a Half hour before the posted closing time. Please paddle smart and as always at your own risk.
Locust Cove Launch:
The Locust Cove cartop boat launch is located on the western side of the park. Check in with the gate attendant for access to the launch site. After you enter the park keep to the right and park in the last parking lot. You must be parked in a designated parking spot, DO NOT PARK ON THE GRASS OR ALONG THE ROAD. If there are no spots available you may park in the lot across from the basketball courts.
From the parking lot follow the paved trail to the left, continue along and cross over onto the unpaved trail. Follow the trail until you reach the open area. The water is about 400 feet from the trailhead. Be aware that Locust cove is very heavily impacted by the tides. If there is enough water to launch when you arrive that may not be the case upon your return. If this is the case you will need to navigate to the Main beach area. The launch has very muddy bottom please plan accordingly. We ask that all paddlers are back in the park at least a half hour before the posted closing time. Please paddle smart and as always at your own risk.
Map & Directions
From Annapolis, take Route 2 (Solomon’s Island Road) north to Route 100 East where it ends at Route 177 East (Mountain Road). Turn right onto Mountain Road. Travel on Mountain Road until it veers off toward Gibson Island. Continue straight onto Pinehurst Road then turn right onto Chesapeake Bay Drive. Stop at the Downs Park gatehouse.
