Potomac River (North Branch, Allegany County)
The North Branch of the Potomac River runs along the southern border of Allegany County, Maryland, between Westernport and Little Orleans, with public boat access at several points. It suits floaters, paddlers, and anglers. The sources for this guide do not report current river conditions, so they cannot confirm that the river is safe near Cumberland today. Check the U.S. Geological Survey gage near Cumberland (site 01603000) and any Savage River Dam releases before you go.
Should you go to Potomac River (North Branch, Allegany County) today?
Good day to go
- Light wind, up to 5 mph.
- Dry daytime forecast.
- Tue 20Light wind, up to 5 mph
- Wed 21Light wind, up to 1 mph
- Thu 22Light wind, up to 6 mph
- Fri 23Light wind, up to 5 mph
- Sat 24Cool for the water, up to 60°F
Weather at Potomac River (North Branch, Allegany County), today
| Time | Sky | Temp | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 am | Sunny | 33°F | 0 mph | 0% |
| 10 am | Sunny | 47°F | 0 mph | 0% |
| 12 pm | Sunny | 60°F | NE 1 mph | 0% |
| 2 pm | Sunny | 67°F | N 3 mph | 0% |
| 4 pm | Sunny | 67°F | N 5 mph | 0% |
| 6 pm | Clear | 63°F | N 1 mph | 0% |
River right now
| Flow | 581 cfs, Mon 1:15 am |
|---|---|
| Gage height | 2.78 ft, Mon 1:15 am |
Daylight
| Sunrise | 7:29 am |
|---|---|
| Sunset | 6:30 pm |
| Question visitors ask | Is the Potomac River safe to kayak or tube near Cumberland today? |
|---|---|
| County | Allegany County |
Where are the public boat access points on the North Branch?
The North Branch of the Potomac River has three sections with public boat access, and trip lengths range from about two hours to a full day, according to The Mountain Side of Maryland. Between Westernport and Dawson, the access points are Westernport Boat Access, McCoole Boat Access, and Black Oak Boat Access. The paddle from Westernport to McCoole is about 4.3 miles, and from McCoole to Black Oak Bottom it is about 6 miles.
Between Dawson and Cumberland, above the Blue Bridge Dam, the access points are Black Oak Bottom Boat Access, Allegany County Fairgrounds Boat Access, and Upper Potomac Industrial Park Boat Access. Below the Blue Bridge Dam, toward Little Orleans, the points are Mason Complex Boat Access, Spring Gap Boat Access, Town Creek Aqueduct Boat Access, Bonds Landing Boat Access, and Fifteen Mile Creek Boat Access.
What should you know about the Blue Bridge Dam portage?
On the North Branch above Cumberland, all boats must leave the river and portage around the Blue Bridge Dam, according to The Mountain Side of Maryland. Public access points beyond Black Oak Bottom are scarce, so the source advises boaters to carry adequate provisions and plan for extended paddling time.
Just past the Allegany County Fairgrounds, boaters reach about three miles of slack water before the dam. The same source says to watch closely for visual landmarks and signage that show the dam is near.
How do you check river levels before a float on the North Branch Potomac River?
The U.S. Geological Survey operates a stream gage on the North Branch Potomac River near Cumberland, Maryland (site 01603000), which USGS lists as draining 877 square miles. According to USGS Water Data, the site has continuous data from October 12, 1990 through October 17, 2026, and daily data back to 1929. USGS labels this page a legacy real-time page and points to its newer water data delivery system, so check the current reading before you go.
The Mountain Side of Maryland warns that releases from the Savage River Dam, about 7 miles upstream of the Westernport Boat Access, can change river levels unexpectedly. The same source tells visitors to check that river conditions are safe before any planned float or paddle. The sources for this guide do not give a safe water level for tubing or kayaking.
Potomac River (North Branch, Allegany County): questions visitors ask
Is the Potomac River safe to kayak or tube near Cumberland today?
The sources for this guide do not include current river conditions, so they cannot confirm whether the North Branch Potomac River is safe today. Check the USGS gage near Cumberland (site 01603000) before you go, and note that releases from the Savage River Dam can change river levels unexpectedly.
Where are the public boat access points on the North Branch Potomac River?
The Mountain Side of Maryland lists three sections with public access: Westernport to Dawson, Dawson to Cumberland above the Blue Bridge Dam, and Cumberland below the dam to Little Orleans. Each section has several named boat access points.
Do you have to portage around the Blue Bridge Dam?
Yes, according to The Mountain Side of Maryland, all boats must exit the river and portage around the Blue Bridge Dam when traveling above Cumberland. Watch for landmarks and signage that show the dam is ahead.
How long is a float trip from Westernport to McCoole?
The Mountain Side of Maryland gives the paddling distance from Westernport to McCoole Boat Access as about 4.3 miles. The distance from McCoole to Black Oak Bottom Boat Access is about 6 miles.
Can you rent a kayak or tube on the North Branch Potomac River?
The Mountain Side of Maryland says outfitters are available whether visitors bring their own boats or need to rent. Outfitters can help plan an itinerary, set up shuttles to the put-in and take-out points, and outfit paddlers for the trip.
Is the North Branch Potomac River good for fishing?
The Mountain Side of Maryland describes good fishing spots along many of the routes, and says fishing and wildlife viewing are very good in the gorge above the Blue Bridge Dam. Bring your own pole.
What is the drainage area of the USGS gage near Cumberland?
USGS Water Data lists the drainage area for the North Branch Potomac River near Cumberland, MD (site 01603000) as 877 square miles. The site is operated in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District.
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