Point Lookout Launches##

FIG. 1 view of the rusty wheels bayside launch area with
the rusty wheels at the right and the sandy launch area to the left

upshot:  at the southern terminus of MD Rt 5, Point Lookout
is for experts and for those with a buddy present.  Because there
 is the potential of drifting far away, care must be taken

   
FIG. 2A aerial view of Point Lookout showing the three launch areas

I am aware of three launches located within Point Lookout State Park. 
Point lookout State Park is at the southern terminus of MD RT 5. 
See http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/southern/pointlookout.html
and scroll down for driving directions to the park and http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/southern/pointlookoutmap.html
for a rough map of the park itself. 

FIG. 2B view of the point lookout lighthouse from the
Hammond beach launch on the Potomac River side of the point
 

All of the point lookout launches are rated expert (##) or advanced
because 1) of the presence of a current flowing southwards away from
the point and 2) the fact that there is more than 20 miles of open water
to the next land in some directions.  Therefore, if you have a mechanical
breakdown or whatever, and you are by yourself, you could be in big
trouble as the current will pull you away from point lookout to perhaps
the eastern shore 20 miles away.

The park is at the southern tip of MD Rt 5, about 71 miles south on
MD Rt 5 from the capital beltway.  As of Nov 2008, there is a large fee
to enter the park, $5 for MD plates and $6 for out of state plates during
 high season and $3 for MD plates and $4 for out of state plates
when the toll booth is unmanned.  Once inside, watch your step, as
there are cops everywhere.

The launch info is as follows:

1.  The rusty wheels:  This launch is on the Chesapeake bay side of
the point.  To get here, travel south on Rt 5 inside the park.  Soon
(0.5 miles after toll booth) you will go around a sharp bend
and see open water on your left, a small lake on your right (lake Conoy)
and you will be on a short causeway with cars parked thereon for fishing
into the bay (left) side.  Travel to the end of the causeway
(one mile past toll booth) where you will see a couple of rusty large
wheels sticking up out of the ground on your left.  At these rusty wheels
is a small turn around area for you to unload your gear.  Park only in
allowed spaces, which are marked with white, on the bay (east) side
of the causeway. 

 
The rusty wheels are actually wheels of a former power plant that
existed in the 19th century.  Facing east into the bay at the rusty
wheels, you will see sandy beaches both in front of you and to your
right (south).  This is the launch.

This launch is best for winds with an east in it.  Be aware that a
current of about 3 mph is present and drifts southward away from
point lookout into the open Chesapeake.  It is advisable to sail on a
 buddy system in case you screw up, you will not float away into oblivion.

2.  The second launch is at the Hammond picnic/swimming area,
which is essentially the last turn off on your right off of MD RT 5 just
before the lighthouse area.  The turnoff for this launch is marked by
a sign that says "picnic/swimming area".  Park in the parking lot and
carry your gear out to the beach (about 150 foot walk).  This launch
faces west into the Potomac, and it too has a southward current of
about 3 MPH.  This launch is best for a wind with a west in it.

 
FIG. 3 view of Hammond picnic/swimming area launch looking
north away from the lighthouse -- note the rocky erosion control
barriers separated by gaps

     The Hammond swimming/picnic area provides access to the Potomac
 river.  The launch area has picnic tables and grills for a barbeque. 
Restrooms are available during the swimming season only.  The Hammond
launch provides a rigging area that is sheltered from the wind.

FIG. 4 view of picnic tables, the sheltered rigging area and the
restroom building at the Hammond swimming/picnic area launch
 

3.  Launch from the point itself near the lighthouse

FIG. 5 view of the point itself looking north from the lighthouse
--note the rocky erosion control barriers in the water at the upper left
of the photo marking the Hammond swimming/picnic area launch, also
not the white cell tower at the horizon near the rusty wheels launch
-- note that most of the point area shoreline is lined with large boulders
for erosion control.  It is possible to launch from either side of the point,
however there is a small beach on the bay (left) side near the rocky jetty.
 

FIG. 6 close-up view of the sandy launch area on the bay side near
the rocky jetty as seen from the lighthouse