Point Lookout Launches##

   
FIG. 1A aerial view of Point Lookout showing the three launch areas, FIG. 1B view of the point
lookout lighthouse from the Hammond beach launch on the Potomac River side of the point
to view a land photo:   if browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), use "control =" to zoom in by hitting the "=" key while the ctrl key is depressed. 
To zoom back out, use "control -".  If browser is Netscape or Firefox, simply right click on the photo and then select "View Image")

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. 

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 capitol
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 (o.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. 

FIG. 2 view of the rusty wheels bayside launch area with the rusty wheels at the right
and the sandy launch area to the left to view a land photo:   if browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), use "control ="
to zoom in by hitting the "=" key while the ctrl key is depressed. 
To zoom back out, use "control -".  If browser is Netscape or Firefox, simply right click on the photo and then select "View Image")

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
to view a land photo:   if browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), use "control =" to zoom in by hitting the "=" key while the ctrl key is depressed. 
To zoom back out, use "control -".  If browser is Netscape or Firefox, simply right click on the photo and then select "View Image")

     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
to view a land photo:   if browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), use "control =" to zoom in by hitting the "=" key while the ctrl key is depressed. 
To zoom back out, use "control -".  If browser is Netscape or Firefox, simply right click on the photo and then select "View Image")

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.
to view a land photo:   if browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), use "control =" to zoom in by hitting the "=" key while the ctrl key is depressed. 
To zoom back out, use "control -".  If browser is Netscape or Firefox, simply right click on the photo and then select "View Image")

FIG. 6 close-up view of the sandy launch area on the bay side near the rocky
jetty as seen from the lighthouse
to view a land photo:   if browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), use "control =" to zoom in by hitting the "=" key while the ctrl key is depressed. 
To zoom back out, use "control -".  If browser is Netscape or Firefox, simply right click on the photo and then select "View Image")