The congested parking along MacArthur Boulevard indicates the popularity of the Anglers Inn access to the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. Why is it so popular? Why is this particular access creating so much congestion? Let me approach it from the paddler’s point of view.
Flatwater paddlers, including sea kayakers, have access to the watered C&O Canal which widens to the lake-like widewater one half mile upstream of the improved canal put-in.
Whitewater paddlers, after carrying 300 yards from the lower parking lot to the river, have two choices: First they can paddle upstream against the current and return with the current taking out at the same put-in beach. Although the walk up the hill is arduous, the paddler returns to the same parking lot. There is no need to move the car. What are the advantages of upstream attaining? Three quarters of a mile upstream, just out of sight from the put-in, are Difficult Run Rapids. This broad expanse of novice/intermediate whitewater offers a perfect practice area plus the physical workout of paddling against the current. Upon attaining Difficult Run rapids, the boater enters the lower Mather Gorge. After a mile of relatively easy water, the rapids called Wet Bottom Chute (opposite the rock climbers) offers the next hindrance. More advanced water is upstream. Rocky Island Waves at perfect levels offer endless surfing. Surfing a kayak requires similar skills to surfing in the ocean except that the river waves are stationary. Above Rocky is the heart of the magnificent Mather Gorge which takes one past “S Turn” rapid and on up to the base of Great Falls. Less than 1 percent of paddlers have the skills and courage to attempt Great Falls.