Havre De Grace - Hutchins Park
just a short drive along I-95N from Baltimore to the last exit before toll (Exit 89) is Havre De Grace (HDG). HdG IS a Charming, Historic TOWN At the Mouth of the Susquehanna River with a long maritime history.
In the City center, Frank J. Hutchins Memorial Park offers a Floating dock Launch across from the CKC Rack. ThIS City Park has free parking, Trash cans and public restrooms. During SuMmer WEEKDAYS, The HdG Youth Sailing Program uses the large Tent SEtUP in the Parking lot and Floating Dock for their Sailing program.
This Location iS BEST for intermediate paddlers
This is due to the Water navigation Risks (e.g. High boater traffic on weekends (especially holidays), shorelines with submerged rocks and unexpected Waves due to fast dropoffs, and large Wakes from passing quarry bargeS).
At the City’s North End NExt to jean Roberts Park, the SuSquehanna River Rail Bridge (Used by AMTRAK) will be rebuilt over multiple years. During construction, access under the bridge is expected to be restricted.
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Free Parking
Dock Launch
Quiet Nature
Restrooms
Food & Drink Nearby
Bird Watching
Trash Cans
Picnic Area
Hiking
- Havre DE GRACE - Frank J. Hutchins Memorial Park
- 100 Congress AVe, havre de grace, md 21078
- Sunrise to Sunset
- DOCK Captain: Open, Dock manAger: kathy maling
Welcome to your next Day Trip getaway!
Explore Havre De Grace’s (HdG) outdoor recreation from our Hutchins Park location!
From the water, see the HdG cityscape, the Susquehanna River Rail bridge used by Amtrak (The area under the bridge is expected to close for the Bridge replacement project). and US-40 Bridge, or around local islands like: Garrett Island (an ancient volcano (~1.5nm one way)), or head South to Park island (build from dredging (~1nm one way) next to Tidings Memorial Park or farther south on calm days on the Bay, Battery Island (~3.2nm one way) is across from the mouth of Swan Creek.
Paddle across the the Susquehanna river to Perryville, a railroad town (0.5nm) or around the corner to Perryville Community Park, where eagles can be found (~2nm one way) Note: CKC does not have kayak permits to land on the park launch).
This location is best for immediate paddlers as there are several risks to navigate while on the water. Paddlers may need to adjust quickly to sudden changes in wave heights or to avoid obstacles.
Waves can suddenly appear as the water depth drops quickly to 20 ft. just off the kayak launch. The commercial channel along the West side of Garrett island is dredged to 60 ft and there is sudden change in depth to the shoreline.
When on the water, pay close attention to nearby recreational boaters (especially on holiday weekends!), the wakes from commercial barges moving to/from the quarry of Vulcan Materials, north of Hutchkins park, and to submerged rocks near any shorelines.
Back on land, explore the nearby HdG National Historic district with dining and antique shops. HdG offers walks along the waterfront boardwalk and numerous seasonal events: First Fridays, Farmers Markets, Independence Day Concert/Parade, Art Festival, Wine & Seafood, Pride Festival, and Octoberfest.
The city offers guided tours (Green Team walks, Concord LIghthouse), museums (Decoy, Maritime, Lock House), arts and entertainment, and parks and hiking trails.
From Baltimore, drive along I-95N and take the last exist before tolls to arrive in Havre De Grace.
Just past the City’s historic district, you’ll find Hutchins Park with free parking and public restrooms. The city park is next to the Tidewater Marina.
Head towards the water, the CKC rack is on the right across from the floating dock – kayak launch gates. Please close the gate if you find it open. For the longer sea kayaks, please launch from the edge of the floating dock in place of the EzDock launcher, which is only suitable for shorter kayaks.
