Relatively large rivers of the Eastern Shore include the Northeast, Bohemia, Elk, Sassafras, Chester, Wye, Miles, Tred Avon, Choptank, Little Choptank, Blackwater, Nanticoke, Wicomico, and Pocomoke.
In addition to major rivers, there are hundreds of smaller tributaries, creeks, and streams.
The Elk River has a variety of special conditions that paddlers may find interesting. Below Elkton, the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal connects to the river. A variety of public access sites are located up and down the river.
The Chester River flows through Chestertown before emptying into the Chesapeake Bay near Kent Island. The town's annual Downrigging Weekend Tall Ship and Wooden Boat Festival attracts large numbers of historic vessel enthusiasts.
The Choptank River flows through several historic towns and small communities. Near its mouth, Cambridge includes an array of areas where paddlers can launch and explore the river.
At Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, three paddling trails meander through more than 20 miles of salt marshes. The Blackwater River complex is one of the most popular areas in the Chesapeake Bay for catching northern snakehead.
One of the largest rivers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the Nanticoke River is known for its wildlife. Along its banks are Seaford, Blades, Woodland, Vienna, Tyaskin, Bivalve, Nanticoke, Elliot's Island, and other communities.
Public access sites are found throughout the Nanticoke. Along the river are several notable parks including Seaford, Phillips Landing Recreation Area, Cherry Park (Sharptown), and Vienna Waterfront Park. Additional areas for launching kayaks and other paddlecraft exist at Woodland, Elliot's Island, Tyaskin, and Nanticoke.
Along the Wicomico River is mix of urban properties, industrial sites, waterfront neighborhoods, marinas, and other human activity. Public access can be found in Salisbury, Mount Vernon, and Dames Quarter.
The Pocomoke River is known for its extensive cypress swamp habitats. Kayakers can explore the Pocomoke River by launching at Porter's Crossing, Snow Hill, Pocomoke River State Park, Pocomoke City, and Shelltown.
