The Anacostia River is a tidal river flowing through Washington, D.C., and Maryland, offering a nine-mile water trail from Bladensburg, Maryland, to its confluence with the Potomac River roughly two miles south of Capitol Hill. The river's character varies significantly along this stretch. The upstream section near Bladensburg features forests, wetlands, and wildlife, providing a natural setting that feels removed from the city. Downstream, the riverfront becomes more developed with community parks, restaurants, and views of urban hubs like Nationals Park. Key public access points for paddlers include Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Maryland and the boat ramp in Anacostia Park off Anacostia Drive SE in Washington, D.C. Ballpark Boathouse, located in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, serves as the only public paddle launch on the Anacostia in D.C., offering rentals and allowing private kayak launches. The river is tidal, and paddlers must plan their trips with the tide cycle in mind. The water is generally calm and suitable for paddlers of all skill levels, having flatter, slow-moving waters. However, the Anacostia is shallow in many areas, and the Kenilworth Marsh can lose up to ninety percent of its water at low tide, potentially stranding paddlers in deep mud for hours if they do not exit before the tide recedes. Paddlers should also be aware of debris, such as logs and garbage, that may need to be cleared at some launch points. Wildlife sightings can include bald eagles, osprey, kingfishers, turtles, and herons. The river has undergone significant restoration efforts, improving its water quality and recreational appeal. A popular day trip is the approximately seven-mile one-way paddle between Anacostia Park and Bladensburg Waterfront Park, which typically takes two to three hours one-way. The Anacostia is generally less crowded than the nearby Potomac River, offering a more local and underutilized paddling experience with views of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, The Yards development, and restored shorelines.