Little Pipe Creek
W. Locust Street, Union Bridge, MD to Double Pipe Creek Park, Detour, MD
| Difficulty | I-II |
| Length | 9 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Big Pipe Creek at Bruceville, Md |
| Flow Rate as of 1 hour | 1.01 ftbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | April 15, 2026 |
River Description
The Pipe Creek Water Trail is great family-friendly place for beginning paddlers and children. Originating near the outskirts of Westminster, Big Pipe Creek flows peacefully with clear passages and no serious obstacles through farmland and serene woodlands. Paddlers will get to view beautiful old mills as well as farms, fields and woods. The grade is mild and there are no difficult rapids. The water is mostly smooth except for a few gravel bars. Occasional hazards may include fallen trees, barbed wire fences, beaver dams and some wandering channels. Along the way, wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant.
Little Pipe Creek actually starts west of Westminster but does not gather enough water to support kayaking until it reaches the town of Union Bridge where this section of the water trail begins at Locust Street. The creek twists and turns along the Frederick County line to join Big Pipe Creek at Detour. Below Sams Creek, the scenery features pretty farms and small, red cliffs. Most of the water is flat but a notable three-foot dam, located beneath the railroad trestle requires a short carry.
During a trip on this water trail, observant paddlers may see: owls, bald eagles, great blue herons, muskrats, deer, beavers and much more.
River Features
Put-in - W. Locust Street, Union Bridge, MD
Put-in - W. Locust Street, Union Bridge, MD
Dam - Portage Location
Dam - Portage Location
Take-out - Double Pipe Creek Park, Detour, MD
Take-out - Double Pipe Creek Park, Detour, MD
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