Maryland Rivers And Lakes

Maryland has several important river systems flowing through its landscape.

Potomac River

The Potomac River forms much of Maryland's southern border with Virginia and West Virginia. Facts about the Potomac River in Maryland:

• It flows over 380 miles from West Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay.
• The river passes through Maryland's capital city of Annapolis and near Cumberland, Maryland.
• The Potomac was an important transportation route in early American history.
• Today it provides drinking water and recreation like fishing, boating, and swimming.

Susquehanna River

The Susquehanna River flows from Pennsylvania south through central Maryland. Details about the Susquehanna River:

• It is over 440 miles long, forming from two main branches.
• The river flows through the cities of Havre de Grace and Port Deposit, Maryland.
• Its watershed covers over 27,000 square miles.
• It was a source of hydropower for early industry in Maryland.

Patuxent River

The Patuxent River begins in central Maryland and flows over 100 miles southeast to the Chesapeake Bay. Facts about the Patuxent River:

• It forms the eastern border of Howard County and western border of Prince George's County.
• Part of the river valley is protected by the Patuxent Research Refuge.
• The river flows through the planned community of Columbia, Maryland.

Notable Lakes in Maryland

Major lakes in Maryland include:

• Deep Creek Lake - The largest inland freshwater lake in Maryland.
• Conowingo Reservoir - Formed by damming the lower Susquehanna River.
• Loch Raven Reservoir - Provides drinking water supply for Baltimore.
• Liberty Reservoir - Helps provide water to Baltimore City.

Maryland's rivers and lakes are important ecological, cultural, and economic resources for the state.