A weekend celebration of water recreation is set to take place June 6-7 at Janes Island State Park, giving visitors a chance to discover the salt marsh waterways and aquatic trails at Maryland’s southernmost state park.
The park features over 30 miles of aquatic pathways that wind through 2,900 acres of salt marsh terrain that make up the island. Visitors can experience both the scenic views and natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay at this location.
The festival will feature nine organized paddling excursions along with activities designed for those who prefer to stay on land – pontoon vessel tours, children’s craft activities, a live musical performance, and evening campfire treats. This event welcomes families, and children may participate in paddling activities when accompanied by adults. A complete event schedule can be found on the Department of Natural Resources website.
Entry to the festival is complimentary. Food and refreshments will be sold on-site. Attendees need to provide their own kayaks or paddleboards, though equipment can be rented from the park store based on availability.
Pre-registration for the festival is recommended. Overnight camping accommodations are offered at Janes Island State Park. Reservations are strongly suggested and may be secured at parkreservations.maryland.gov or by calling 1-888-432-2267.
Water Activities
Saturday morning begins at 8 a.m. with the Janes Island Challenge Paddle. This demanding 13-mile journey around the island’s perimeter will challenge participants’ stamina and abilities, including portions through the rough open waters of Tangier Sound. Completing paddlers receive a commemorative challenge coin.
Later Saturday morning offers multiple specialized paddling options: the Wetland Wings Birding Paddle focusing on bird watching, the Reel Therapy Fishing Paddle for angling enthusiasts, and the Seining the Sound Paddle for net fishing exploration. Each activity provides education about the unique ecosystem at Janes Island.
From 1:30-3:30 p.m., the Still Life on Water Art Paddle allows participants to create paintings while on the water.
Saturday concludes with live entertainment and either a sunset paddling trip or fireside treats. The Sunset Serenity Paddle covers three miles round-trip to Flatcap Beach.
Land-Based Activities
The festival accommodates all visitors, including those who don’t participate in water sports. Families can find entertainment options for everyone.
Those staying on land can take hour-long pontoon boat excursions around the island, available throughout Saturday. Children can participate in craft projects, educational activities, and games at the Nature Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. A land-based yoga class begins Saturday morning at 8:15 a.m.
Musical performers Valerie Lankford and Medium Wave Joy will provide acoustic rock and pop entertainment from 3-5 p.m. Saturday. The day concludes with s’mores served around a fire outside the Nature Center at 7 p.m.
Sunday Schedule
Sunday concludes the festival with three morning paddling activities – note that pontoon tours and children’s crafts are not available Sunday.
The Focus on Feather Birding Paddle begins at 7 a.m., followed by the Floating Zen SUP/Paddleboard Yoga session at 8 a.m. Participants will practice balance while performing yoga positions on paddleboards – expect to get wet.
The final activity is the Cast and Kayak Paddle, starting at 10 a.m. A park ranger will guide paddlers to prime fishing locations around Janes Island. Fishing equipment is supplied, though participants may bring personal gear.
Visitor Recommendations
Be ready for insects. Biting flies, ticks, mosquitoes, and other bugs inhabit the island. The most effective approach is accepting their presence – they only become problematic if you allow them to be.
– Apply insect repellent or use citronella candles when remaining stationary.
– Mesh barriers work well against bugs – either netted shelters for stationary activities or netted head protection for mobile activities.
– Choose light-colored clothing – this makes you less visible to mosquitoes and helps spot ticks on your garments.
Alternative Options
For those unable to attend, paddling is available at these Maryland parks with equipment rentals:
- Pocomoke River
- Herrington Manor
- Seneca Creek
- Martinak
