Take Out

This take-out site on Hunting Creek in Thurmont serves as an exit point for whitewater paddlers finishing a run on this medium-sized stream. Hunting Creek is a substantial waterway with a total length of 56.64 miles and significant elevation drop of 1,423 feet, creating an average gradient of 25.1 feet per mile. The creek flows through Frederick County with an average discharge of 277 cubic feet per second and an average velocity of 1.91 feet per second, indicating moderate current conditions typical of Class II-III whitewater sections.

Paddlers using this take-out should be prepared for faster-moving water with technical sections. The stream's gradient and flow characteristics make it suitable for intermediate to advanced kayakers and canoeists seeking whitewater paddling rather than flatwater recreation. The drainage area of 206 square miles supports consistent flow, though water levels can vary seasonally. This is not a beginner-friendly section, and paddlers should scout sections and understand current conditions before attempting runs in this area.

As a take-out point near Thurmont in the northern Maryland piedmont, this access provides a critical exit for paddlers completing upstream runs. The proximity to Catoctin Mountain area makes this part of the stream popular for regional paddlers. Standard safety practices for whitewater paddling apply, including proper Personal Flotation Device use and awareness of potential hazards such as strainers and rocky obstacles common to streams with this gradient.