Nanticoke River
Sussex Co. · 64 mi · Class Riffles
74.7CFS/ 5.13 ft
Flood
→Stable
Optimal: 100–500 CFS · USGS #01487000
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
64 mi
Length
Class Riffles
Difficulty
100–500 cfs
Optimal
280 cfs
Avg Flow
252 cfs
Hist. Median
#01487000
USGS Gauge
Nanticoke River Wildlife Area · Chesapeake Bay Tributary

The largest river on the Delmarva Peninsula, the Nanticoke flows through cypress swamps and tidal marshes to the Chesapeake Bay. Outstanding kayaking through pristine wetlands with excellent birding, fishing, and solitude on one of the least-developed rivers on the East Coast.

Trip sections
Seaford to Woodland — 15 mi, freshwater to tidal transition
Woodland to Sharptown — 20 mi, tidal marshes and cypress swamps
Lower Nanticoke to Chesapeake Bay — 25 mi, wide tidal river
Outfitters
Nanticoke River Kayak
Guided paddle tours on the Nanticoke
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.