From Corsica River to Chestertown the channel is narrow in places, and there are unmarked shoals close to it. Strangers of a greater draft than 8 feet (2.4 m.) are advised to take a pilot if going above Corsica River. Between Chestertown and Crumpton the channel is very narrow in places, with broad flats on either side nearly bare at low water. It is marked by buoys, but it is difficult without local knowledge; the channel is more easily followed at low water. There are no marks above Crumpton, and local knowledge is required.

SWAN CREEK AND ROCK HALL HARBOR

[Chart 548]

Swan Creek is on the eastern side of Chesapeake Bay, 5 miles northeastward of Love Point Lighthouse. The approach, which is also the approach to Rock Hall Harbor, is from southward, eastward of Swan Point Bar. It has a depth of 10 feet (3 m.) to Deep Landing (Gratitude post office) on the east side of the entrance to the creek and 6 feet (1.8 m.) for 14 miles above in a narrow unmarked channel. The channel is marked by a lighted range and by buoys as far as Deep Landing. A channel 10 feet (3 m.) deep has been dredged across Swan Point Bar about 3 mile southward of Swan Point. The channel is subject to rapid shoaling, and strangers are advised to use the main entrance around the south end of Swan Point Bar.

Rock Hall Harbor, on the eastern side of the approach to Swan Creek, has been improved by dredging a channel 12 feet (3.6 m.) deep and 150 feet wide to Rock Hall Wharf at the head of the harbor, but no further work is being done and the channel has shoaled to a depth of about 8 feet (2.4 m.). It is marked by two buoys. The harbor is used by many motor boats and small vessels of 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 m.) draft. Rock Hall is a village 1⁄2 mile eastward of the wharf.

Huntingfield Creek, just southward of Rock Hall Harbor, has depths of 1 to 3 feet (0.3 to 0.9 m.) and is used only as an anchorage for small craft.

Tavern Creek, just eastward of Swan Point, has a depth of 211⁄2 feet (0.7 m.) on the bar at the entrance and 6 feet (1.8 m.) inside for 1 mile. The best water in entering leads along the western side of Little Neck Island.

Directions, Swan Creek.-From Chesapeake Bay steer any course between 81° and 147° true to a position, from 14 to 1 mile, northward of Love Point buoy No. 2. Then steer eastward until Love Point light (fixed white) bears 213° true, and then change course to 33° true (NE. % N. mag.) and, with Love Point light astern, proceed to Swan Creek lighted range. Head along the range on course 349° true (N. 14 W. mag.), passing close westward of buoy No. 2, off Huntingfield Point, and eastward of buoy No. 5, until the wharf at Deep Landing shows to the left of buoy No. 4, when it may be steered for.

Courses may be laid for Rock Hall Harbor, leaving Swan Creek lighted range when abeam of the red entrance buoy and steering 55° true (NE. by E. 5% E. mag.) to pass 50 feet northwest of buoy No. 2 and the same distance southeast of buoy No. 1.

CHESAPEAKE BAY ABOVE PATAPSCO RIVER

[Charts 549 and 1226]

Chesapeake Bay extends for 30 miles above the entrance of Patapsco River to the mouth of Northeast and Susquehanna Rivers. It is frequented by passenger and freight steamers and tugboats and barges from Baltimore to landings on the tributaries, besides many vessels bound through the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, the approach to which is through Elk River and Back Creek. The usual draft of boats frequenting this part of the bay is 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.4 m.) and the deepest draft 12 feet (3.6 m.). All of the tributaries in the upper end of the bay are usually closed to navigation by ice for extended periods during the winter. There are no regular pilots, but local boatmen can usually be obtained at the entrances of the tributaries who are competent to act as pilots. Towboats can be obtained from Baltimore.

There are extensive shoal areas in the northern end of the bay, many of them having fish weirs on them in season. Many of the shoals northward of Pooles Island are rocky and should be avoided even by small craft. A broad channel, with a least depth of 18 feet (5.5 m.) and well marked by buoys, leads along the eastern side of the bay from Chester River entrance to the mouth of Elk River. Another channel, leading from the mouth of the Patapsco River east-northeasterly, joins this channel east of Pooles Island.

The least depth by this route is 12 feet (3.6 m.), but it leads close to 10 and 11 foot (3 and 3.3 m.) spots. Directions from Chesapeake City to Baltimore and southward are given under "Inside Route, New York to Norfolk," on page 258.

Fish weirs are prohibited at a greater distance from shore than 800 yards northward of Gunpowder River on the western side and Sassafras River on the eastern side. Between Gunpowder River and the channel leading to Baltimore on the western side, and between Sassafras River and Tolchester Beach on the eastern side, they are prohibited in water exceeding 20 feet (6.1 m.) in depth. The limits of fish-trap areas are shown on chart 1226 by broken lines.

Tolchester Beach is a recreation park on the eastern side of Chesapeake Bay, 5 miles north-northeastward of Swan Point and 714 miles, 77° true (E. 11⁄2 N. mag.), from Craighill Channel range front light. It is connected with Baltimore by steamer in summer. With local knowledge a draft of 10 feet (3 m.) can be taken across the shoals from the eastern end of Brewerton Channel northward of Craighill Channel range front light to the wharf, but strangers should not follow this route with a greater draft than 6 feet (1.8 m.). It leads across an area of possible fish traps.

Fairlee Creek, on the eastern side of Chesapeake Bay, 24 miles east-southeastward of Pooles Island, had a depth, by the last survey, of about 6 feet (1.8 m.) across the bar at the entrance and for 1 mile above. It is frequented only by produce boats of 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m.) draft, and by boats which obtain sand and gravel there. Several old boats have been sunk off the point on the western side of the entrance to serve as a breakwater. The entrance is very narrow and has very strong tidal currents. There are no marks for entering.

Worton Creek, on the eastern side of Chesapeake Bay, 31⁄2 miles eastward of Pooles Island, has a depth of 9 to 12 feet (2.7 to 3.6 m.) in the broad bight at the mouth and 7 feet (2.1 m.) in the creek to Buck Neck Landing, 11⁄2 miles above the entrance. The channel is narrow in the upper part of the creek and is unmarked. A flashing white light is located on the north side of the entrance. Gales Wharf just inside the entrance on the north side is now in poor condition and is not used. Freight boats and barges in season go to Green Point and Buck Neck Landing for tomatoes and farm produce. The Tri-State Yacht Club is located at Buck Neck. The channel off Gales Wharf (Worton Manor) affords good anchorage in easterly winds for vessels of 10 feet (3 m.) draft.

Still Pond, a bight on the eastern side of Chesapeake Bay, 6 miles above Pooles Island, has depths of 8 to 11 feet (2.4 to 3.3 m.) and is a safe anchorage for small craft in easterly winds. Stillpond Creek, emptying into the bight from eastward, has a depth of 12 feet (0.4 m.) across the bar at the entrance and 6 feet (1.8 m.) inside for some distance. Church Creek, emptying into the bight_from southward, has a depth of 3 feet (0.9 m.) in the entrance and deeper water inside. Both creeks are used by small produce boats.

The wharf 12 miles northeastward of Still Pond is now in ruin. Sassafras River, on the eastern side of Chesapeake Bay, 10 miles above Pooles Island, is the approach to the towns of Betterton, Frederick, and Georgetown, and has trade in steamers, schooners, and barges, the deepest draft being 10 feet (3 m.). It has a depth of 12 feet (3.6 m.) to Frederick, 812 miles above Grove Point on the north side at the mouth, 8 feet (2.4 m.) for a farther distance of 112 miles to Wilson Point Wharf, and 5 feet (1.5 m.) to a landing 1 mile above. The channel is broad and straight for a distance of 3 miles above Betterton, above which it is crooked and narrow in places, but the principal shoals are marked by buoys as far as Frederick, and strangers of 6 feet (1.8 m.) or less draft should have no trouble in following the channel with the aid of the chart. Strangers of deeper draft should take a pilot at Betterton. The channel above Frederick is narrow in places and unmarked and is difficult without local knowledge. The mean range of tides is 1.9 feet at Betterton and 2.3 feet at Georgetown.

Betterton is a summer resort on the south side of Sassafras River, 214 miles eastward of Howell Point. It is connected with Baltimore, Havre de Grace, and Philadelphia by steamer. There are depths of 11 feet (3.3 m.) at the outer ends of the two steamboat wharves and the approach is clear. The buildings on the shore and wharves are prominent. Gasoline and provisions are obtainable.

Lloyds Creek, on the south side of Sassafras River, 2 miles eastsoutheastward of Betterton, has depths of 1 to 3 feet (0.3 to 0.9 m.) inside and is seldom entered. It is separated from Sassafras River by a low sand spit.

Turner Creek, on the south side of Sassafras Riyer, 41⁄2 miles above Betterton, has a depth of 7 feet (2.1 m.) to a landing at the foot of a road just inside the mouth and 6 feet (1.8 m.) in a narrow channel for 11⁄2 mile above. Some produce is shipped from here in schooners and barges. The entrance is narrow and unmarked.

Back Creek, on the north side of Sassafras River, 6 miles above Betterton, has a depth of 712 feet (2.2 m.) in the entrance and 5 feet (1.5 m.) in a narrow unmarked channel for 11⁄2 miles above. It is little used.

Island Creek, on the south side of Sassafras River, 71⁄2 miles above Betterton, has a depth of 6 feet (1.8 m.) in a narrow unmarked channel for 11⁄2 mile above the entrance. There are no wharves and little business by water.

Frederick and Georgetown are towns on opposite sides of Sassafras River, 912 miles above Betterton. They are connected by a highway bridge having a lift span with an opening 40 feet wide, with a headroom of 5 feet at high water. Gasoline and provisions are obtainable at both places. Tockwock Yacht Club is located at Frederick. There are depths of 7 feet (2.1 m.) at the wharves at Frederick and 12 to 18 feet (3.6 to 5.5 m.) at Georgetown.

The ruins of an old wharf north of Grove Point are prominent. Pond Creek and Pearce Creek, 312 and 5 miles, respectively, northeastward of the entrance to Sassafras River, can be entered only by small boats at high water and are not used.

Elk River, emptying into the head of Chesapeake Bay from northeastward, 16 miles above Pooles Island, is important as the approach to the western end of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. It has a depth of 16 feet (4.8 m.) for 7 miles to the mouth of Back Creek and 7 feet (2.1 m.) for a farther distance of 61⁄2 miles to the intersection of Elk and Little Elk Rivers, 1 mile below Elkton. Above the fork there is a depth in the Elk River of 6 feet (1.8 m.) at low water through a dredged channel 80 feet wide to the paper mill at Elkton. Little Elk River has a controlling depth of 4 feet (1.2 m.) to the fixed bridge at the head of navigation. The channel in Elk River from the mouth to Back Creek is broad and easily followed. Above Back Creek it is crooked and narrow in places. It is marked by buoys for a distance of 5 miles above the mouth of Back Creek, above which it leads between flats, bare at low water and covered by marsh grass in summer. Strangers should have no trouble in taking a draft of 5 feet (1.5 m.) at low water to the junction of Elk and Little Elk Rivers with the aid of the chart. Above that point local knowledge is necessary.

Elkton, at the head of navigation on Elk River, is on the main line of the Pennsylvania Railroad. It has several industrial plants. and some trade in schooners and barges up to 8 feet (2.4 m.) draft. Gasoline, provisions, water, and coal in limited quantities are obtainable. A fixed bridge having a clear headroom of 9 feet (2.7 m.) at high water crosses the river at Elkton. Motor boats anchor just above and below the bridge in a depth of 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m.), and there is no navigation above.

The mean range of tides is 2.1 feet at the entrance and 2.6 feet at Elkton Landing.

Turkey Point, on the west side, at the entrance to Elk River, is a sparsely wooded bluff with abrupt slopes on the south end. The most prominent mark is Turkey Point Lighthouse, a white tower on the highest part of the bluff.

Bohemia River, on the east side of Elk River, 4 miles above the entrance, has a depth of 7 feet (2.1 m.) for 34 miles to the junction

of Little Bohemia and Great Bohemia Creeks and 6 feet (1.8 m.) for a distance of 11⁄2 miles in Little Bohemia Creek and 211⁄2 miles in Great Bohemia Creek. A highway drawbridge crosses the river 1/2 mile below the fork. The channel is broad and easily followed for a distance of 2 miles above the entrance, above which it is narrow and crooked and difficult without local knowledge. The river and the creeks at the head are frequented by grain and produce boats, the deepest draft being 9 feet (2.7 m.) and usual draft 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 m.)

Town Point Wharf is on the eastern side of Elk River, 511⁄2 miles above the entrance. There is a depth of 10 feet (3 m.) at the end. Back Creek is the approach to the western end of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal at Chesapeake City, and is described on page 251. Directions for Back Creek and Elk River are given on page 258.

Northeast River empties into the northern end of Chesapeake Bay 5 miles north-northeastward of Turkey Point. The approach to the river leads westward of Turkey Point and between the western side of Elk Neck (high and thickly wooded) and the extensive flats westward. There is a depth of 12 feet (3.6 m.) to the mouth of the river and 12 feet (3.6 m.) in a dredged channel, buoyed on the east side, to a long wharf one mile west of the town of Northeast. The mean range of the tides is 2.5 feet.

Charlestown is a village and railroad station on the western side of Northeast River, 21⁄2 miles above the entrance. Gasoline may be obtained.

Northeast is a town with railroad communication at the head of navigation on Northeast River, 42 miles above the entrance. Gasoline and provisions are obtainable, and there is a railway capable of hauling out boats of 40 feet length and 4 feet (1.2 m.) draft.

To enter Northeast River, pass 12 mile westward of Turkey Point and steer 21° true (NNE. 12 E. mag.) to the entrance buoy of the dredged channel, then 16° true (NNE. mag.) through the channel westward of the buoys to Hance Point, then 31° true (NE. 14 N. mag.), passing westward of the buoys, to the last red spar buoy, then 2° true (N. 3⁄44 E. mag.) to the wharf.

Susquehanna River, emptying into the head of Chesapeake Bay from northwestward, is the approach to the towns of Havre de Grace and Port Deposit.

The approach from southward has a depth of 12 feet (3.6 m.) in a dredged channel above Locust Point. Above Havre de Grace there is a controlling depth of 12 feet (3.6 m.) to Port Deposit. Directions from Chesapeake Bay to Havre de Grace are given on page 242. Above Havre de Grace there are no marks, but the channel is easily followed with the aid of the chart.

Ice gorges and freshets are of frequent occurrence in Susquehanna River during the breaking up of the ice in the spring, the water at Port Deposit sometimes rising to a height of 15 to 18 feet (4.5 to 5.5 m.) above the normal high water and causing considerable damage. The position and depth of the channels are subject to considerable change through these causes. The river is usually entirely closed to navigation for a period of about three months in winter. The mean range of tides is 2.1 feet.