Maryland River Map - Rivers & Lakes in Maryland

Written and Fact-checked by | Last Updated: January 16, 2024, 01:25 PM ET

Maryland River Map showing major rivers in Maryland, start and end point, county boundaries.

River Map of Maryland State

Rivers and Waterways in Maryland

Maryland’s river systems are shaped by its varied geography, from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastline in the east. Most rivers drain into the Chesapeake Bay, which dominates the state’s water network, while western rivers connect to the Ohio River and Mississippi system. Tidal rivers and estuaries are common in central and eastern regions. Maryland also has several reservoirs and natural lakes that support water supply, recreation, and environmental conservation.

Major Rivers in Maryland

RiverLength (Approx.)RegionFlows Into
Potomac River405 miWestChesapeake Bay
Susquehanna River444 miNorthChesapeake Bay
Patuxent River115 miCentralChesapeake Bay
Patapsco River39 miCentralChesapeake Bay
Choptank River71 miEastChesapeake Bay
Nanticoke River64 miEastChesapeake Bay
Pocomoke River66 miEastChesapeake Bay
Monocacy River58 miCentralPotomac River
Gunpowder River50 miCentralChesapeake Bay
Severn River14 miCentralChesapeake Bay
Magothy River14 miCentralChesapeake Bay
South River14 miCentralChesapeake Bay
North East River16 miNorthChesapeake Bay
Elk River15 miNorthChesapeake Bay
Youghiogheny River134 miWestMonongahela River
Casselman River56 miWestYoughiogheny River
Savage River29 miWestPotomac River
Wicomico River24 miEastChesapeake Bay

Major Lakes in Maryland

LakeTypeRegion
Deep Creek LakeReservoirWest
Prettyboy ReservoirReservoirCentral
Liberty ReservoirReservoirCentral
Loch Raven ReservoirReservoirCentral
Triadelphia ReservoirReservoirCentral
Rocky Gorge ReservoirReservoirCentral
Centennial LakeReservoirCentral
Blairs Valley LakeNatural lakeWest
Lake HabeebReservoirWest
Piney ReservoirReservoirWest

Major River Basins in Maryland

Maryland’s river basins are largely centered around the Chesapeake Bay, which receives water from most of the state. Western regions also contribute to the Ohio River Basin, creating a mix of coastal and inland drainage systems.

  • Chesapeake Bay Basin
  • Potomac River Basin
  • Susquehanna River Basin
  • Patuxent River Basin
  • Patapsco River Basin
  • Nanticoke River Basin
  • Choptank River Basin
  • Pocomoke River Basin
  • Youghiogheny River Basin

Maryland Rivers Facts

StateMaryland
Total Rivers & Streams17,000+ miles of streams
Major RiversPotomac, Susquehanna, Patuxent
Total Waterway Length18,000+ miles
Main DrainageChesapeake Bay
Longest RiverSusquehanna River
Shortest RiverSevern River
Major River Basins9 Primary Basins
Primary OutletAtlantic Ocean
Key UsesWater supply, recreation, fisheries, navigation
Longest River Within StatePotomac River
Number of River Basins8–10 Basins
Major ReservoirsDeep Creek Lake, Liberty Reservoir, Prettyboy Reservoir
Primary Water SourceSurface water and reservoirs