Highlighting - Clopper Lake at Seneca Creek State Park
This series focuses on highlighting local paddling locations in order to encourage people to check out new paddling spots all over Maryland. Today we highlight...
Gaithersburg, MD (view on Google Maps)
This Highlighting review is brought to you by SUP Club Md's resident "Dad," AJ. AJ is the guy with the extra sunscreen and extra bottles of cold water. He is also always up for a paddle at a local Montgomery County lake on a sunny afternoon. He will be the one with the custom-made double-bladed SUP paddle. Thank you, AJ for your Highlight review and for always supporting this group and blog.
Clopper Lake is a freshwater lake located inside Seneca Creek State Park, in Montgomery County, MD, right on Clopper Road in Gaithersburg, just 2 miles from I-270. The lake area sprawls over 90 acres of forests and fields. Picnicking, boat rentals, trails, and a kids' playground make it a great place to bring the family, or meet up with friends who paddle or fish.
The lake is small enough that you can circumvent the lake in a couple of hours (with stops to explore). The lake is about 2 miles long but has many inlets to explore, with a variety of wildlife. Watch for turtles, blue herons, cormorants, and even the occasional beaver. The beaver habitat will look like a pile of branches and logs near the shore. This area has a lot of turtles sunbathing on fallen tree trunks, and a number of majestic Blue Herons stealthily fishing in the shallows. The cormorants are far less subtle as they dive into the water looking for fish, only to pop up 50 yards away empty-handed.
As the lake is surrounded by trees, the winds are usually light, making this an ideal place for beginners, families, or those looking for a chill paddle with their friends or pets. Additionally, those that may not be into water sports can hike the trail around the lake, picnic nearby, or play at the park.
The best place to park for paddlers is near the boat dock, where a beginner-friendly concrete ramp makes it easy to hop on a paddleboard or kayak. Parking is easy and free, and lets you get very close to the boat ramp. Park access fees are not required on weekdays, but on weekends there is a small fee per person ($3 as of Feb 2023).
There are bathrooms near the playground area, which is within walking distance from the boat ramp. The park is generally not crowded - I've always been able to find parking.
While no swimming is allowed, the water is fresh and actually serves as a backup reservoir for Montgomery County.
Bring sunscreen as the sun reflects off the surface of the water, and water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized.
Clopper Lake is such an easy, accessible, and fun place to paddle, with more wildlife than you would expect to find in such a small space. For those in and around Montgomery County, this should be on your short list of places to paddle this summer.
After Paddle Food and Drinks, all located in the same shopping area
Beers and Cheers Too - Craft beer on tap, sandwiches, empanadas, and outdoor seating
Miyaji - Indian Kabab and Rumali rolls
Taco Bamba - Delicious Tex-Mex bowls, cold beer, and outdoor seating
Dogfish Head Alehouse - Delicious craft beers, burgers, and outdoor seating
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Disclaimer - This entire post is based on the understanding of basic Stand Up Paddling safety; always wear your PFD and leash, and paddle with a friend and within your limits. Have fun out there and stay safe.
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