Overview:
Overview: Much of northwestern Loudoun County is in the attractive Catoctin Creek watershed. Catoctin Creek and her tributaries flow north from the Hillsboro, Wheatland, Waterford, and Morrisonville areas before joining the Potomac River about a mile upstream of Point of Rocks. This stream has enough water to float down fairly frequently, particularly below Featherbed Road, and does not have any significant rapids or hazards. If there has been significant rain in the last 24 hours Catoctin Creek is very likely to have enough water to be runnable, and it probably will be passable in winter and early spring unless there has been a dry spell.
Recommended Trips:
Daytrip: Waterford or Featherbed Road to Point of Rocks
Directions to Put ins and Take outs:
View Catoctin Creek in a larger map
Waterford: At the north end of town there is a gravel pull out next to the Rt 673 bridge; this is the best put in for Catoctin, and preferable to the private land along Featherbed Road.
Featherbed Road: It is possible to put in next to the attractive Featherbed Road truss bridge but be discrete and leave your car off the road but in VDOT right of way, as some of the land is posted.
Point of Rocks: Use the public boat ramp on the south side of the Potomac next to the Route 15 bridge.
Sections of river to run:
Featherbed Road to Point of Rocks: The Catoctin flows from Featherbed Road to the Potomac at roughly 1.5-2 miles per hour through flat water and small riffles. Scenery includes attractive hillsides, horse farms, and Piedmont forest. Note that if Catoctin is running the Potomac may be high, so watch for debris and stay on river right for the Point of Rocks takeout. This section takes approximately 4 hours.
