Other Activities

In addition to jamming with like-minded individuals all weekend, there are plenty of non-music activities on the grounds of Three Otters along with other nearby attractions.

POTOMAC RIVER

• The river has a rock/shale bottom with sharp edges, so all guests should wear rivers shoes or old sneakers when in the river to protect your feet.
• The river is usually clear and shallow. You can walk all the way across the river. There is, however, a bit of a current.
• When starting out in the Kayaks or Canoes, it is recommended you paddle upstream first as it is easier to paddle back. Once you have the knack of it, you can go up or down the river and then make your way back to Three Otters.

SWIMMING

• The river is great for swimming or lounging in a chair and letting the water wash your troubles away.
• The river is usually clear, so using goggles or masks is a great way to explore the river and see all the fish. Check the equipment bin next to the red Boat House as sometimes there are goggles/mask in the bin that anyone may use.
• All guests should wear some type of river shoes when in the river to protect their feet.

FISHING

• Anyone over the age of 16 needs a MD fishing license to fish on the Potomac River or a WV license for anyone 15 and older.
• Most frequently caught fish near Three Otters include small mouth bass and catfish.

WALKING AND BIKING ON THE C&O CANAL TOWPATH OR GREEN RIDGE STATE FOREST

• The C&O Canal Tow Path is directly across the river from Three Otters.
  • You can take a canoe or a kayak and cross the river or you can walk across.
    • You can use canoes to bring Bikes across.
  • There is a trail from the river to the Tow Path.
  • The path is hard packed and flat for easy walking and biking. You can see a variety of flora and fauna and possibly those famous three otters.
  • Once on the Tow Path, if you go right, it’s 11 miles to Bill’s Place in Little Orleans for lunch or a beer. If you go left, it’s 4 miles to the Paw Paw Tunnel. The historic tunnel is ¾ mile long and dark, so bring a flashlight.
• The Green Ridge State Forest is on the other side of the C&O Canal.
  • Cross the river and go right on the C&O Tow Path.
    • In 1 mile, a road will be on your left
    • This road will take you into the Green Ridge State Forest.

KAYAKS/CANOES/PADDLES/TUBES/LIFE JACKES/FISHING

There is unlimited use of Three Otters’ kayaks, canoes and tubes for the duration of your stay. Life Jackets and paddles are included, but you might want to bring your own life jacket if you have one. 

TUBE TRIPS AND KAYAK TRIPS

Note: Those over 13 years old must have a life jacket in your kayak, canoe or tube.  Anyone under 13 MUST WEAR a life jacket. There is a $99 fine for non-compliance.

• Self-Guided Tube Trip (2 hours round trip)
  • Get in your tube and float downstream for 1.25 miles.
  • About 200 yards past the old railroad bridge there will be some ripples on the left that can be fun.
  • Keep an eye out for the Cement Boat Ramp on the left side of River. This is Bond’s Landing
  • Get out here, go up the ramp, follow the road past the bathrooms.
  • Go 400 yards, cross over the marsh area and turn left on the first path you come to. This is the C&O Canal Tow Path. (There are open gates going in both directions).
  • Follow the Tow Path (upriver) for about 1 mile. If you are quiet and look carefully you may see turtles, frogs, ducks, etc. Every now and then someone sees a beaver or otter.
  • Stay on the path and go under the old Railroad bridge
  • Continue for 125 yds looking for a small path that will take you back to the river. Colored ribbons are in the trees to mark the trail, but sometimes people take them down.
  • Follow the small path back to the river. It is steep at one point and can be slippery.
  • Once you get to the rivers, walk upstream a bit so you have a better angle for floating across or you can simply walk across if water is clear and low.
• Two Mile Tube Trip
  • Three Otters will shuttle kayaks and tubes upriver to a put-in spot.
  • Three Otters charge $10/person to shuttle kayaks and tubes. While they can take some people to the put-in spot, additional drivers may be needed if it is a large group.
  • The 2-mile tube trips take about 2 hours depending on river level.

If you are interested in longer trips, Three Otters has canoe and kayak trips. Please contact Rich upon arrival for more details.

GAMES

Available for guest use: Soccer goals, a volleyball net, whiffle balls/bats, kickballs.  Previous guests may have left behind goggles, masks, bubble makers, etc. that can be used. 

In the cabin hutch, there are cards, board games and puzzles.