Aquia Creek is a tidal tributary of the Potomac River in Stafford County, Virginia, offering a scenic and historically significant paddling route. The creek is characterized by tranquil wooded shorelines and calm, protected waters, making it suitable for beginner to intermediate paddlers. Its connection to the Potomac River provides opportunities for more open-water exploration. The primary paddling route is the designated Aquia Creek Water Trail, which runs approximately 8.4 miles from Widewater State Park to the Potomac River. The creek is tidal, and paddlers should plan trips around the tide stages, noting that channels have an average depth of 5 feet at mean low tide.

Several access points serve paddlers. Widewater State Park provides a dedicated paddle craft launch on Aquia Creek, featuring car-top access, paid parking, and year-round restrooms. The park also offers guided kayak tours and twilight paddling events. Aquia Landing Park, located on a peninsula at the mouth of the creek, offers public beach access and kayak launch opportunities from its sandy shoreline, along with free parking and restrooms. For those seeking highly protected waters, the Aquia Harbour Marina features specifically designed kayak and canoe launch platforms within its calm inner harbor; however, this marina is inside a gated community requiring check-in with an attendant. The marina also offers on-site kayak storage for residents.

The area is rich in wildlife, including Bald Eagles, Osprey, herons, egrets, and one of the largest heron rookeries in the region. Historically, Aquia Landing was a Civil War site and part of the Underground Railroad network. Paddlers heading from the creek into the adjacent Potomac River will pass Widewater State Park and Government Island, and can view the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary, home to the sunken "Ghost Fleet" of World War I-era steamships. While the creek itself is protected, venturing onto the Potomac River introduces exposure to wind, fetch, and boat traffic, including a motorboat ramp at Widewater State Park. There are no designated swimming areas in the Potomac due to hazardous conditions. Primitive paddle-in campsites are available along the Potomac for those on multi-day trips.