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Access Site MD

Point of Rocks

Potomac River Catoctin Creek

Source: u_s__geological_survey Updated 1 year ago

City: Frederick, MD
County: Frederick County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 39.27316268, -77.54176023
Air Temp: --
Location
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Nearby Gauge Conditions
Whitewater Run
II Take-out Catoctin Creek - SR 663 to Potomac Confluence
10 ft/mi
View Run
Current Conditions
Whitewater Runs on Potomac River
21 runs (19 nearby)
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
I Put-in at this location 0.9 Point of Rocks to Mouth of Monocacy
6.2 mi
I-II Take-out at this location 0.8 Potoma Wayside, VA or Weverton, MD to Point of Rocks MD
12.0 mi
V+ Downstream from here (27.6 mi to put-in) 3. Great Falls (Center Lines)
0.4 mi 100 ft/mi
IV-V(V+) Downstream from here (27.5 mi to put-in) 3. Great Falls (Fish Ladder)
0.4 mi 100 ft/mi
V+ Downstream from here (27.6 mi to put-in) 3. Great Falls (MD Lines)
0.4 mi 100 ft/mi
V Downstream from here (27.6 mi to put-in) 3. Great Falls (VA Lines)
0.4 mi 100 ft/mi
V+ Downstream from here (27.6 mi to put-in) 3. Through Great Falls (several runs)
0.4 mi
II-III(IV) Downstream from here (27.9 mi to put-in) 4. Sandy Beach/O-Deck to Anglers Inn
2.2 mi 8 ft/mi
V Downstream from here (27.6 mi to put-in) Clara Barton Parkway to C&O Canal
0.1 mi
II Downstream from here (29.6 mi to put-in) 5. Anglers Inn to Lock 10
4.2 mi
I Downstream from here (33.1 mi to put-in) 6. Lock 10 to Sycamore Island
2.3 mi
III+(IV) Downstream from here (36.6 mi to put-in) 7. Little Falls
2.4 mi 15 ft/mi
IV(V) Downstream from here (37.7 mi to put-in) 2. Glebe Road to the Potomac
0.1 mi
II+ Upstream from here (12.0 mi from take-out) 0.7 Dargans Bend Boat Ramp to Potoma Wayside, VA or Weverton, MD
5.5 mi 5 ft/mi
I Upstream from here (15.1 mi from take-out) 0.6 Shepherdstown, WV to Dargans Bend Boat Ramp
8.0 mi
I Upstream from here (21.1 mi from take-out) 0.5 Dam # 4 to Shepherdstown WV
12.0 mi
I Upstream from here (26.2 mi from take-out) 0.45 Williamsport to Dam #4
14.0 mi
I Upstream from here (30.1 mi from take-out) 0.4 Big Pool/Fort Frederick Campground to Williamsport MD
16.7 mi
I Upstream from here (39.7 mi from take-out) 0.35 Hancock, MD to Big Pool/Fort Frederick Campground
12.0 mi
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Point of Rocks offers a well-maintained public access point to the Potomac River in Frederick County, Maryland. The facility features a modern two-lane concrete boat ramp with ample parking and vault toilets, making it convenient for launching kayaks, canoes, and trailed boats. The ramp is easily accessible and serves as an excellent starting or ending point for river trips of varying distances.

The Potomac River at this location is a major waterway with an average flow of over 23,000 cubic feet per second and a moderate gradient of approximately 1.7 feet per mile. Paddlers should be prepared for a river with noticeable current and expect faster water conditions, particularly during high flow periods. The area is popular on weekends, so arriving early is recommended if you prefer a quieter launch experience.

This access point places you within reach of significant historical and recreational opportunities, including Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (downstream at the Shenandoah confluence) and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. Multiple hiker-biker campsites, including Bald Eagle Island and Turtle Run, are located within 10 miles, making Point of Rocks a good hub for multi-day paddling adventures along the Potomac River corridor.
Nearby Campgrounds (5 within 10 miles)
Bald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker Campsite
On-site
Turtle Run Hiker-Biker Campsite
On-site
Calico Rocks Hiker-Biker Overnight (HBO) Campsite
On-site
Indian Flats Hiker-Biker Campsite
On-site
Marble Quarry Hiker-Biker Campsite
On-site
Nearby Recreation Areas
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Located within
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Located within
Monocacy National Battlefield Located within