The Afgedamde Maas is a former distributary of the Maas River (French: Meuse) running through the Dutch provinces of North Brabant and Gelderland. It originates near Heusden, where the Maas splits, and flows northward to its confluence with the Boven Merwede near Woudrichem, covering a total length of approximately 19 kilometres. The waterway was effectively created in the late Middle Ages following a major flood that connected the Maas to the Merwede at Woudrichem. In 1904, the Maas was dammed at its southern end and given an artificial mouth via the Bergse Maas, after which the closed-off portion received its current name. The Wilhelminasluis at Andel, completed in 1896, marks a significant engineering landmark along the route.

For paddlers, the full navigable stretch runs between Well and Andel. Access to the river from the Heusden area is possible by sailing under the floodgate known as the Kromme Nol, which is generally open. Paddlers turning right at the T-junction head toward Nederhemert and Well, where natural lakes at the end of the route offer mooring opportunities. Campfires and barbecues are permitted on the beaches in this area. Note that passage through the Wilhelminasluis at Andel is subject to restrictions for certain vessel types.

The surrounding landscape is pastoral, with cows and horses grazing along the banks. Beavers are present in the area, and sightings are most likely during morning or evening twilight. The river also supports a wide variety of fish species including northern pike, pike-perch, common carp, European perch, freshwater bream, asp, ide, roach, tench, white bream, ruffe, and round goby, making it a notable destination for anglers with the appropriate permit.

The character of the Afgedamde Maas is predominantly calm and rural, passing through open river country between Zaltbommel and Den Bosch, with views of meadows and floodplains. The fortified town of Heusden is a notable landmark along the route and offers mooring facilities. The river's relatively modest length and gentle nature make it well suited to multi-day trips as well as day paddles, with natural beaches providing informal stopping points along the way.