Review and become acquainted with the OCCOQUAN WATER TRAIL MAPS before you go out. Plan your day and your route, allowing enough time to complete your trip during daylight hours.
Know operating hours of parks and facilities where you will get out and emergency routes in case of problems.

• A flooded river is dangerous and should be avoided.
• A low river may expose logs, stumps or rocks, requiring lift-overs and extra time.
• Winds and storms can be dangerous. Check weather and marine forecasts.
• Tidal flow influences paddle time and difficulty. Check Potomac River tide tables.